In an effort to upgrade the working conditions of vendors, the government is mulling the construction of a new market at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.
The project will see collaboration between the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development and Public Works.
On a recent visit to the community, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall met with stallholders and discussed plans by the government to rebuild the market.
Minister Lall also examined the size of the present building and its current condition.
Some of the merchants believe that the market may have been in existence for over 40 years and suggested that the new structure be put up at the same location.
The ministries are mulling whether the market will be extended upwards, removed to an alternative location, or rebuilt on the existing site.
Once a decision is made, the new market is expected to house those vendors who spill out onto the roadways since the market is filled to capacity with stallholders.
Overseer of the Mahaica Market, Diadat Haridat, stated that on Sundays, vendors are also allowed to occupy a street that runs behind the market as well as the main roadway just in front of the market.
The present structure is in a state of disrepair.
The new market will enhance the aesthetics of the community, as well as allow the clearing of encumbrances from government reserves.(GINA)