FOLLOWING discussions with the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Annette Ferguson, vendors operating at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, have agreed to relocate to facilitate the road improvement project.

A release from the MPI noted that Minister Ferguson met with the vendors, on Thursday afternoon at the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School, to discuss a way forward that would be agreeable to both the project and the vendors.

Accompanied by officials from the MPI, the Ministry of Finance and the Region 3 Democratic Council, she held an interactive session with the vendors, during which it was emphasised that the project would ultimately benefit the entire community, particularly through the provision of farm-to-market access.

Project Coordinator Kester Hinds also informed that the US$44M project is the largest infrastructural development to ever be undertaken in Region #3.

However, for the project to be successfully completed, it was pointed out, the 65 vendors from Vreed-en-Hoop would have to temporarily relocate, since their current location is in the direct path of the proposed road. As part of the contract, the technical specifications must be adhered to, and are therefore unchangeable.

According to the release, it was highlighted during the discussion that failure to move forward with the project as stipulated in its contract could lead to heavy financial repercussions for Guyana from the loaning agency, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts explained the ramifications of the loan agreement to the vendors, and stated that the loan comes with interest that “grows, whether construction goes on or not.”

However, Minister Ferguson emphasised that the goal was not to “come in like a thief in the night” and remove the vendors. Rather, she said, the vendors had a say in their alternative short- and long-term options and the way forward.

“We are here to listen and to find solutions, not to strong-arm you,” Minister Ferguson stressed while urging the vendors to present options that might not have been previously considered by officials. Two possible locations were also put forward to the vendors for their consideration.

In response, the vendors expressed understanding at the need for them to relocate, but said one of the proposed sites was untenable. This site is located in an area known as Phoenix Park in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, and according to the vendors, it is a “dead zone.”

“No customer is going to want to go there; it is not a catchment area,” one vendor said. Another added, “People would prefer to take the speed boat to Georgetown than to travel to that location.”

The vendors also unanimously called for the use of the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling as the relocation site. However, they were informed that that area is currently earmarked for development into a waterfront facility through funding from the United Kingdom Government, thus it would be unavailable.

At the end of the discussion, two sites located right in Vreed-en-Hoop were proposed by the vendors and agreed upon. The 65 vendors would be split between the two locations, and are expected to be relocated as soon as Monday.

The road project, which began at Hydronie and stretches to Vreed-en-Hoop, covers approximately 30.7 kilometres of road, and is primarily financed by the CDB. Works would include pavement rehabilitation, installation of traffic signs and road markings, provision of additional streetlights, construction of concrete drains, and relocation of utilities.