Poor drainage, security among major issues faced by Stabroek Market vendors

Poor drainage and inadequate security are among a plethora of issues being endured by vendors at the Stabroek Market and according to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall arrangements are being put in place to bring relief to the vendors as early as Sunday.

Dharamlall held a walkabout exercise at the market on Wednesday where he met and interacted with vendors.

This is as a result of numerous complaints his office has received from vendors after their pleas fell on deaf ears at the PNC-led Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) which has responsibility for the management and upkeep of the market.

Among other issues raised by the vendors were poor sanitation and roof, clogged drainage and inefficient facilities management.

“They have been constantly reaching out to me claiming that they have been making complains to City Council for a number of years and so finally I decided to visit them,” Dharamlall said during an interview with the News Room.

He said his ministry will be collaborating with the M&CC to ensure that the issues and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

A major clean-up exercise is scheduled to take place at the market this weekend.

“Immediately after we finish the clean-up, we will begin with the physical work that we promised,” Dharamlall said.

Currently, there are only five city constabulary officers on site but this will be increased. Additionally, the Vendors Committee will be re-established and the roof of the fish bay area will be fixed.

Repairs will also be done to the washrooms and the drains of the market will be cleaned, Dharamlall told the News Room.

While garbage will be removed on a daily basis, Dharamlall said vendors who litter the market will be prosecuted.

“We will provide resources, City Council will help to provide manpower, they have to provide the Constabulary officers. The Central Government will fix up the fish bag area, and the roof and we will also help with the drainage and sanitisation in the market.”

Dharamlall said that based on what he was told, the market currently has over 1,500 vendors.

“One of the things is they have over 1500 vendors. I was told by the market clerk and only five security officers in that market. Three in the morning and two in the afternoon. Security and drainage those are the two major issues,” Dharamlall noted.

City Engineer, Colvern Venture, Town Clerk (ag), Candace Nelson and the Director of Solid Waste Management accompanied Dharamlall during the walkabout at the market.