An umbrella shelters a vendor’s goods from the leaky roof during yesterday’s rain.

One of them, Richard Taylor told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that 170 stallholders and vendors signed a letter to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) opposing the between 50 and 75 per cent rent hike.

He said they listed the deplorable situation under which they are currently operating, including very poor sanitation, inadequate security, leaky roof and guttering, vagrants living around the market and obnoxious odours discouraging customers.

To correct this situation, Taylor said they demanded a general facelift of the market.

He said, at present, he rents a double stall for $10,800 per month and another stallholder, Balram (only name given) said he pays $5,000 for his single.

Both of them stated that they do not mind paying the increase but remained adamant that the only way they are going to do so is if improvements are effected.

Taylor also raised the issue of security within the market and cited 13 burglaries in January.

Contacted for a comment on the complaints, Acting Town Clerk Yonnette Pluck said the last time promises of repairs were made there were some difficulties that caused them to be put on hold for a while.

She, however, assured that there has been a stay in the rent hikes which will not be instituted this month, as was intended.

Instead the proposals will be implemented from next month and repairs and other necessary works will be carried out at the market as systems are being put in place.

However, Taylor, the apparent spokesperson for the Bourda Market sellers, said they are still going to seek legal advice on their options and are exploring the possibility of securing an injunction against the M&CC if, as promised yet again, repairs are not done and the general sanitation not improved but the increases are charged.