–Minister Dharamlall affirms

THE modernisation of the Parika Market has not been curtailed by the recent fire, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall has said.

In fact, the minister, in an invited comment on Tuesday, said that works are ongoing to restore the damaged structure and will be completed in a timely manner.

Dharamlall said: “The contractor has a contract to construct the market and we are moving towards completing it in a timely manner. We are working with a very tight timeline to start getting vendors into a proper place where they can be accommodated.”

He also said that the government has constructed a road and tarmac, which he believes will greatly help in alleviating some of the concerns of the vendors, while the contractors work towards completing the market.

Last Saturday, Minister Dharamlall, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, and the Regional Chairman of Region Three Inshan Ayube, visited the Parika Market to inspect and assess ongoing works.

Kareema Seepersaud, a vendor from Parika, said: “The vendors of Parika are happy that the government is giving us a brand-new market. It is something that we have needed for a long time.”
Her hope, however, is that the government officials will ensure that all of the vendors sell within the compound of the market.

“It is only fair that the vendors on the roads sell inside with the other vendors. We cannot have the vendors on the roadways get all the business while the ones on the inside have to pay their fees and not get sales. This market will also help with the congestion around the ferry stelling areas and along the road up to the junction. I only hope that they care it,” Kareema said.

Another resident of Parika, Seepersaud (only name given) who has been a vendor for over 21 years, said she is happy that the government is erecting “an actual market structure” for the people of Parika.

She is also asking that the market be opened to the public on an “everyday basis” and not just on specific days.

The Panko Steel Fabrication and Construction firm was initially awarded the contract to build the market and they will proceed to do so with no additional cost attached for the rehabilitation work.