Mabaruma town council dismantles over a dozen stalls at Kumaka

…’reluctant’ vendors to be relocated to market tarmac

The town council at Mabaruma  in the North West District on Monday dismantled over a dozen stalls at the business community of Kumaka- a move that is likely to leave many without a source of income.

Reports are that on Monday morning, officials of the town council , including Deputy Mayor Carolyn Robinson accompanied by the police, descended on the waterfront at Kumaka and commenced the dismantling exercise.

The stall holders were given multiple ultimatums in recent times to relocate from the area to the market tarmac which was built under the APNU+AFC administration. However, at the time, the vendors were adamant that the move would be bad for business since the tarmac is located some distance away from the busy waterfront area.

The vendors also listed a host of demands at the time, including the provision of running water and electricity. Some vendors initially moved to the market tarmac, however, they subsequently set-up shop once more at the waterfront.

It is unclear whether the demands of the vendors have been met prior to Monday’s exercise. However, the Village Voice understands that two of the stall holders, who are known supporters of the PPP/C government, made the first move when the most recent relocation deadline was passed by the town council.

Others were then forced to move as their stalls were dismantled by the authorities.

The APNU+AFC administration had set aside plans to beautify the waterfront area.  The Granger government undertook a massive road project at the business community, converting the roadway to an all weather thoroughfare.

Prior to 2015, the area was sinking into the nearby Aruka River after the PPP/C administration had cleared a silk-cotton tree from the waterfront. Subsequently, the nearby Transport and Harbours Department wharf fell into the river and soon after, millions were spent to save the waterfront. The area was later reclaimed following a host of engineering undertakings.