The relocation efforts for roadside vendors operating along the La Grange and Bagotsville corridor in Region Three began today. This process was led by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, though it hit some temporary snags.

Minister Edghill met with the vendors earlier today to conduct a number drawing exercise which would determine the spots the vendors would be relocated to.

During the exercise, the minister explained that several individuals who were not on the verified list arrived demanding spaces and attempted to derail the process.

However, he stressed that the relocation will only include the 109 vendors who were photographed and documented by the Ministry of Public Works.

“We will not be blackmailed or manipulated into giving anybody anything just because we want the place to stay. We are dealing with a fair and transparent process,” he underscored.

Edghill also noted that a designated tarmac area is currently under construction nearby to house vendors in time for Sunday’s market day.

“There will be no selling on the road on Sunday, and that is why we are here to transfer everybody in so that the contractor will be able to get his work done, and that the economic activities and the livelihoods of people will not be interfered with,” the minister further explained.

The relocation forms part of the $2.9 billion West Bank Demerara Road Expansion Project, which continues to progress steadily.

A similar exercise was conducted recently in Sophia, and will also be carried out for vendors in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara.