VENDORS in the Best/Klein Pouderoyen area yesterday began to officially occupy the market tarmac which was commissioned on August 10 at Pouderoyen, also at West Bank Demerara.
Chairman of the Best/Klein Pouderoyen Neighbourhood Democratic

Council(NDC), Mr. Umesh Balram, acknowledging the move, said the local authority is now working to relocate all roadside sellers on the tarmac.
He said, although they have support from some, there are a few who are reluctant to make the shift for fear of their businesses not doing as well.
NDC Councillor and Marketing Chairman, Frank Gill echoed those views: “They are saying that, if they move to the market site, they will not be able to make money. I am telling them that the people from Pouderoyen go to Vreed-en-Hoop to buy greens. If there is market here, people will stop short and not go to Vreed-en-Hoop.”
He added that, once all the stalls are removed from the roadside, people will have no choice but to go wherever the market is located.
Nevertheless, Balram emphasized that no vending on the road will be allowed and that removal from the roadside will be an ongoing exercise and they are acting with the help of the Police and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
He said they have a tractor/trailer on loan from the RDC to facilitate the immediate transfer of the roadside stalls.
Gill pointed to some of the dangers of roadside vending, most notably being that it could cause accidents and that dust on the road could get on food items.
More convenient
In addition, he emphasised that the market tarmac is more convenient since it has washroom, potable water and garbage disposal facilities.
Balram advised that the market will be open from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs Mondays to Saturdays and that sellers are expected to set up collapsible stalls so that they can be taken down at the end of the day.
He explained that this is because the tarmac is also rented for social, cultural and/or entertainment and is utilised for recreational purposes by residents in the area.
The tarmac, which was constructed in 2010, was prepared by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in conjunction with the Government of Guyana and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara).
It has a total of 320 six-foot by eight-foot demarcated stalls, separated into seven sections, including for fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and clothing, among others things, which are now being filled.
The daily fee for each range from $200 to $500, depending on the category.
Gill also revealed that 151 vendors, who had previously registered to occupy the tarmac, lost their spots because they were not paying the rent. However, persons desirous of taking up available places are asked to visit the Best/Klien Pouderoyen NDC Office.
The Market Committee, comprising two members of the NDC, two from the RDC, a staffer from the Local Government Ministry and two vendors, is responsible for the managing of the tarmac so as to ensure good maintenance and environmental practices.