PHASES one and two of the new market at Charity, Essequibo Coast, are nearing completion with acting overseer for Charity/Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Rameez Pir Baksh, noting that, should all go well, in context of the weather and other factors, the work should be completed in the next two weeks.

The two phases are being done at the cost of $45M, and, once completed, 41 stalls will fit in the new facility. The authorities have already told vendors that they will need to relocate.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, on Monday, Baksh said the vendors had not opposed the news of relocation as many of them are happy that they will now be able to vend in a safer and more secure environment.

The current phase of work includes the fencing around the tarmac, and regularisation work has already commenced.

According to Baksh, the project has been going smoothly, except when it rains heavily. The weather has resulted in somewhat of a delay.

The folks in Charity, including the private sector, have been lending whatever support they can to make the area a better place. “People are willing to do things for development. We have good people around the area and we’re working in partnership,” Baksh related.

Fund-raising activities were held to purchase solar lights, which will be installed around the market.

Although the new market will come into use soon, another phase of it is expected to begin sometime next year. It’s the construction of a double-deck market at the tune of $110M to cater for 85 more stalls.

Baksh said this project component is significant in the authorities’ plan to get all vendors in one place.

He said the vendors are currently selling on government reserves and that they’re trying to address the problem of roadside vending with the new initiatives.

Meanwhile, Baksh had shared that the new, enclosed market was being constructed in the Amazon Back Street area under a project by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Market streets were also being repaired so that people can shop comfortably in the area, and the Charity river dam will also be rehabilitated.

“Presently, we have about 150 vendors on the database, but there is more. The market will be like a mini-mall when it’s finished,” Baksh said.