Honourable Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand visited the Bath Market, at Mahaica-Berbice, Region Five on Friday, where discussions focused on improving conditions for vendors and customers while advancing plans for the facility’s redevelopment.
The Minister provided updates on market infrastructure projects currently underway. The Rosignol Market is expected to be completed by July, while works on the Bath Market are projected to be completed by August, provided progress continues as planned.
The new Bath Market will feature a shed, flooring, internal and external drainage systems, and designated stalls for vendors. This will result in a much safer and more conducive space for vendors. These improvements are intended to create a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable environment for customers and vendors alike.
The Minister emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure that both vendors and customers can conduct business in comfort.
During the visit, the Minister committed to liaising with the relevant Public Works authorities to ensure that lighting is installed at the market, addressing a long-standing concern raised by vendors and residents and noted that in fact, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Honourable Madanlall Ramraj has already commmitted to placing the lighting in the area.
One vendor, who has operated at the market for more than 20 years, shared concerns about the upkeep of the facility, noting that the area has not always been maintained to an acceptable standard for customers and vendors.
Addressing broader concerns about sanitation and waste management, the Minister revealed that the Government is developing a system within existing laws as well as new laws and court structures to hold persons accountable for littering.
“You’re going to see an elaborate… full build out of how we can deal with people littering,” the Minister stated.
Vendors were also encouraged to work closely with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in maintaining cleanliness at the facility. At the same time, the NDC is expected to support vendors through effective waste collection and ongoing maintenance efforts.
(MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE)