MAJOR focus will this year be placed on optimising the use of the market tarmacs and facilities constructed for vendors, as well as enforcing stronger laws to remove vendors who sell illegally.Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker, adumbrated this vision for the municipalities at a recent press conference at the ministry’s Kingston office, where he blamed the roadside vendors for having contributed significantly to solid waste issues on roadsides and street corners, and pointed out that it was unfair for illegal occupants to cause municipalities additional expenses to clean up after them.

Acknowledging that the constructed facilities are underutilised, the minister said the LGRD Ministry would work to correct that. He declared that the unclean conditions in which roadside vendors operate is totally unacceptable, and added that they impede traffic and hinder pedestrians.

Local Government, Minister Ganga Persaud outlined that illegal vending is indeed a major focus for the LGRD Ministry, but he promised that in 2014 much more emphasis would be placed on this, as well as on enforcement of the by-laws for persons who refuse to adhere to the rules.

He said that public and individual notices will be served to such persons, to inform the law breakers of their infringement in an effort to have them desist from breaking the law.

The minister said the LGRD Ministry is actively considering to invest in installing security cameras in and around the facilities in order to provide necessary protection to the vendors, who complain about breakage of stalls and theft on a weekly basis, some even “pointing fingers” at constabulary officers and security personnel.

He said this initiative has been implemented at the Bartica Market, and since the cameras have been installed, there has been no reported or recorded breakage into that market.

He stressed that it is vital for the councils to provide necessary protection to the vendors who operate in the various markets.
Written By Savitri Laikram