KITTY Market vendors are anticipating the completion of the market and are overjoyed at the pace of the reconstruction. According to a third generation vendor, “the building needed repairs since it began to leak in the 1980s and lack of repairs caused the building to go downhill, but right now the guys are doing a terrific job and daily the transformation can be seen.”

He said himself and many other vendors are overjoyed at the development and are anticipating more traffic through the market since the fear of something falling and injuring a vendor or shopper is a thing of the past.

He explained that it’s a relief that the rehabilitation is finally being done as the market has been serving the community for decades. “Situations like this gives you hope and make you feel good,” he said.

Another vendor noted that he is overjoyed at the works being done at the Kitty Market and is anticipating the rejuvenation of sales and the brightness of the building and the spot.

Although rehabilitation works on the Kitty Market was estimated to be completed in three months, the present pace of works can bring that date forward, according to M&CC acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) Debra Lewis.
Recently, rehabilitation works to sections of the Kitty Market commenced since the previous structure was described as a fire hazard.

The 19th Century structure suffered massive deterioration over the years. Vendors operating in the area had lodged numerous complaints with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). The Council had contended that its financial situation prevented it from delivering on their promise.

However, the Council embarked on a $240M restoration exercise on February 12 last. The repairs will be done in phases to accommodate the relocation of some of the vendors. Both residents and vendors of Kitty have expressed relief that the market which was once known as a landmark in the neighbourhood is being restored to its original state.

The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market came into being. Like the Bourda Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed.