Some La Penitence Market vendors begin to move

Jan 17, 2011 News

Some La Penitence Market vendors began relocating their stalls yesterday within the market and on a demarcated section in Sussex Street.
Kaieteur News observed workmen from the Ministry of Transport and Hydraulics clearing an area next to the fish vendors section of the La Penitence Market to facilitate a dozen stall holders who were given permission to vend there.

One of the stalls that is being built outside the Sussex Street entrance of the La Penitence Market.

Secretary of the Albouystown Market Committee and stall owner, Rickford Nelson, told Kaieteur News that yesterday was the last vending day for at least 16 vendors who are to commence with the demolition of their stalls pending relocation.
He said Minister Robeson Benn stated that their removal is necessary, as the project requires no hindrances and at the same time it is vital to avoid imperiling their safety. He added that vendors who will be affected were notified and were encouraged to cooperate.
Nelson said that the Ministry’s work will commence on January 20 and will take approximately four months to complete.
He also disclosed that some vendors will have to occupy the available stalls in the market, while other vendors will be allowed to sell outside of the specific areas for the project.
Last Friday, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn met with some of the vendors to discuss their relocation and to address their concerns.
The stallholders were told that they were vending on Government reserves, but that this was an arrangement between them and the City Council, which was collecting rates and taxes from the vendors.
It was also noted that the road, drains and pavement belong to government, and the declared public roads have a certain status in the law which allows for expansion and progress.
Last October the Ministry of Public Works did repairs to the La Penitence carriageway from Punt Trench Dam to Broad Street; in an effort to ensure a free and safe flow of traffic along the corridor. However, this present project is set to ease the congestion and traffic build up along the East Bank Demerara during peak hours.