VENDORS of the Mon Repos Market are expressing concern over reports in a section of the media that the market will be relocated to facilitate the extension of the East Coast four-lane road. But acting Chairman of the Lusignan-La Reconnaissance NDC, Mr. Ayube Mohammed, has clarified the matter.
Last Tuesday, at a meeting with the Mon Repos Market vendors and members of the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the sellers became agitated although the NDC chairman explained the situation to them.
The vendors were all gathered at the location, bitterly complaining about the pending removal and most were blatantly refusing to move.
However, in an exclusive interview with this publication, Mohammed said that he is very displeased with reports put out by other media entities who have been trying to portray the situation that the NDC was deceiving the vendors.
He explained that on Monday, a meeting was scheduled with the market committee, the vendors and the NDC staff to deal with other administrative issues that the vendors had at the time.
And as one issue after the other came up, he decided to inform the vendors that it is not the sellers in the market complex who will be relocated, but rather those who now occupy the tarmac.
The place to which they will be relocated has been identified and is in close proximity to the market itself.
However, he said that after telling the vendors this, they became very vociferous and the meeting was brought to a halt.
Meanwhile, the chairman is questioning the behaviour of the vendors who take up places inside the market, as they will not be hindered in any way and have no reason to be upset.
Mohammed emphasized that it is for the benefit of the people that the road will be extended to better accommodate the heavy traffic.
He also said that sellers ought not to worry as a new tarmac will be built so that they could continue their trade.
He said to deal with this matter; another meeting will be held which will see the attendance of officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Public Works.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Works at the NDC, Mr. Rocky Ramgopaul, pointed out that it is not a matter that the sellers will be moved with nowhere to go, as the NDC will provide a place close to the market for them.
The Chairman as well as Ramgopaul noted that this may not be happening very soon, but it is the responsibility of the NDC to inform the people of what will be taking place.