By Nakasia Logan
February 3, 2025
After nine years of on-and-off rehabilitation, the Kitty Market is finally nearing completion.
The ongoing work has been a long journey, and with the City Hall’s push for a February month-end deadline, there is renewed momentum to finalize the project amidst financial accountability challenges.
City Mayor Alfred Mentore expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating that the market is expected to open by the end of this month.
Mentore emphasized that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the market’s full operational readiness.
He highlighted efforts such as the servicing of doors and the installation of a proper waste disposal system as part of the final touches.
“The officers responsible for the process are actively involved, and we’re confident that we will soon be able to announce a date for full operations,” said Mentore.
As the opening draws closer, market clerks are busy preparing the tenants to return.
Mentore assured that those who were previously renting stalls at the market would be given first priority when it comes to reclaiming their spots.
He also mentioned that the price range for stalls has already been set, and it’s now up to the administration to finalize arrangements with the tenants.
The restoration project, initially begun in February 2016 under then-town clerk Royston King, was originally expected to last nine months but has seen several delays over the years.
The total allocation for the project stands at 240 million dollars, with funds injected throughout the years to bring the market closer to completion.