MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Tuesday afternoon met with vendors of the Suddie Market to discuss the transition into the newly completed market facility and address several concerns raised by vendors.
The meeting brought together vendors who conduct their business along the roadside in the Suddie area.
The minister was accompanied by Regional Chairman Devin Mohan; Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams; Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack; Ministry Engineer Raul Boyer; Regional Engineer Kawan Suchit; and Head of Markets at the Ministry, Indrawattie Hirai.
During the engagement, Minister Manickchand said that while the new market building has already been completed, additional works are still required before vendors can move in.
Those works include the installation of stalls, tables, ventilation systems, and other finishing touches to ensure the market operates in an organised and comfortable environment for both vendors and customers.
She noted that once vendors move into the new facility, the market will operate in a standardised and systematic manner. Vendors will be assigned designated stalls and sections to ensure proper organisation within the market.
Currently, more than 131 vendors operate along the roadside at Suddie. The minister emphasised that the new market is designed to accommodate the vendors’ needs, and improve their working conditions.
The facility will be sectionalised to cater for different types of goods, including wet and dry items, poultry, fish, and vegetables, helping to maintain hygiene and better management within the market.
Vendors present at the meeting also voiced their concerns and made several requests. One vendor, Kamal Singh, welcomed the development of the new market, stating that vendors have been waiting for a proper facility for some time.
However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that stalls are properly constructed, and that the market provides adequate ventilation and protection from the weather.
Another vendor, Usha Narine, also expressed appreciation for the initiative, but raised concerns about security at the market, noting that vendors often leave their items overnight, and would feel more comfortable if proper security measures are in place.
In response, Minister Manickchand assured the vendors that their concerns are being taken into consideration, and that efforts will be made to ensure the market is fully functional and secure before vendors relocate.
She indicated that the aim is to have vendors move into the new facility within approximately six months, once the remaining works are completed.
The minister also noted that markets across the country will eventually be equipped with garbage compactors as part of efforts to improve waste management, and maintain cleaner market environments.
The engagement formed part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen market infrastructure, and improve the working conditions for vendors while creating a more organised and sanitary space for commerce in communities.
