Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall on Tuesday met with vendors at the Mon Repos market where he successfully resolved issues relating to the construction of stalls and placement at the newly constructed facility.
One day earlier, on Monday, vendors expressed their dissatisfaction with the placement of new stalls being constructed in the renovated market space.
The vendors vented their frustration by ripping out and breaking the steel rods that were being placed for the stalls as they argued that it does not reflect the agreed size.
Minister Dharamlall on Wednesday told the News Room that the main issue was a miscommunication between the vendors, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the contractor.
“The major issue they had was the communication in terms of stall sizes and placement and we made the commitment that they will all receive the same size stall they had before,” Dharamlall related.
A commitment was also made to award small contracts to vendors to construct the stalls. According to Dharamlall this is being done to complete the stalls in a timely manner.
“The vendors will be getting the contracts to help construct these stalls as well as those who want to construct their own stalls, we will give them the materials and they have agreed also on a standard design for these stalls,” Dharamlall explained.
It was further agreed in the meeting on Tuesday that no one will be displaced.
Additionally, about nine stalls will also be constructed for vendors who did not previously have stalls.
“Those are persons who ply their trade daily but did not have a stall for many years,” Dharamlall explained.
The $63 million contract for the renovation of the Mon Repos Market was awarded to Mohamed Rahim and Sons in November 2021.
However, works commenced in February 2022 after the ministry constructed a temporary facility for vendors to ply their trade. Works on the market were expected to be completed within seven months but Dharamlall on Wednesday said there were delays.
The contract for the second phase of the market upgrade was also inked recently where a steel structure will be constructed on the western side of the market and is expected to be completed in five months.
