…M&CC not consulted; no relocation plan in place
Vendors of the East Ruimveldt Market have been temporarily displaced as the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has embarked upon a rehabilitation of the Market.
The rehabilitation works reportedly began today but the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) was not informed of the plan. No relocation plan was made to facilitate the displaced vendors.
Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has accused Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall of starting impromptu rehabilitation works at the East Ruimveldt Market without consulting with him.
He said because of the non-consultation approach the vendors are feeling the effects as they are unable to vend.
The Mayor visited the East Ruimveldt Market Friday morning where he found vendors standing outside of the market as rehabilitation works were being done to the structure which is in need of repair.
“A contract was awarded by Government — which we don’t have a problem with — by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development without informing the people of this market, without informing the Mayor and City Council to give these people a notice so that they can be able to have their goods and stalls replaced,” the Mayor stated.
“As Mayor, I would not allow this. These are the people out here who have concerns, who have to actually sell for the holiday to make some money to mine their family and you want to disrupt these people business in this holiday season?” Narine remarked.
The Mayor, who has had several disagreements with Dharamlall since the latter took office, said that the Minister ought to have known better.
He said that while the Mayor and City Council does receive correspondence about contracts awarded it is the Minister’s responsibility to give notice in advance indicating when these works will begin. He said that this enables the City Council to make alternative provision for the stall holders who would be displaced.
“You cannot walk in the City Council properties and start to do work like this, honourable Minister. The Ministry needs to have some respect for local authorities. We’re elected bodies and we need to function in that manner,” Narine said.
He iterated that the works without notice just one week before Christmas is unreasonable and unfair to the vendors who are working to keep their families afloat.
“We have no problem with the contract that you offered, with the help you offered to this market but consultation is very important, honourable Minister Dharamlall. You cannot do that to these people!” he exclaimed.
