Several vendors, who operate outside of the La Penitence Market along Saffon Street, have begun to reposition their stalls as they prepare to move into the market itself and to occupy other designated areas.
This relocation exercise stems from a directive issued by the Ministry of Public Works which requires the vendors to remove their stalls to facilitate the widening of the road, a project which had been decided upon since August 2010.
According to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, the venture was necessary to alleviate congestion caused by the heavy traffic flow in the area.
Many of the affected vendors reported that they were not given any notice to remove their stalls, a claim Minister Benn quickly dispelled by explaining that he was there on a site visit in October, along with Mayor Hamilton Green and the Clerk of Market Schuler Griffith, when persons were notified of the project.
Over the past week, several consultations were held where the vendors met with Minister Benn and Green on separate occasions to discuss interventions for the relocation exercise.
Suggested areas for relocating included covering of the Sussex Street canal, occupying a vacant plot of land not far away and utilising the City Council’s reserve opposite the market.
Following a more recent meeting with City Hall officials, it was decided that at least four persons could relocate by the fish section of the La Penitence market.
Minister Benn emphasised that measures will be put in place to ensure that the national project is successful and urged the vendors to cooperate with his ministry until a more permanent location is identified.
He added that the ministry’s work, which was delayed for over three months, will commence on January 20 and will take approximately four months to complete.