MARKET tarmacs that could also be used for other communal purposes are provided at tremendous cost to the taxpayers of this country and, hence, authorities are adamant that illegal vending must become a thing of the past.

The policy declaration was made by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker during a recent press conference at the ministry, in Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.
With jurisdiction over the six municipalities and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), he was speaking in the presence of Minister with the portfolio, Mr. Ganga Persaud and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Collin Croal.
Unlawful selling at roadsides and along thoroughfares continue to pose a challenge to the authorities, by offering unfair competition to other sellers and creating hazardous traffic conditions on the roadways.
“We are aware that old habits, old practices, die hard,” Whittaker remarked, noting that people believe, to get the maximum sale, they have to be at the doorsteps of the customers.
“But we couldn’t do that. This thing has to be properly regularised. If all of us move from where we are gathered illegally and all of us go to where the environment is better, the customers will come with us,” he posited.
Whittaker pointed out that the location of the tarmac sites was decided in consultation with the communities and NDCs.
“It is not that government just sent in officers there to construct tarmacs,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Croal said vendors are expected to occupy the Mahaica Market Tarmac by this month end, following its construction for $82M.
According to him, the actual work involved is finished and therefore, authorities are now at the next phase of allotting the stalls and getting the allottees to occupy them.
He said additional works might be needed on that site and the ministry has already requested the funding and is waiting for its approval.
During last year, the ministry handed over ten market tarmacs, including those at Diamond/Grove, Best Klien /Pouderoyen, Toevlugt/Patentia, Charity, Plaisance, Buxton and Haslington.