Vendors who previously operated along the ‘E’ Field Sophia Road corridor now have a designated market tarmac.
The tarmac allows them to continue their livelihoods while facilitating the smooth progress of ongoing road expansion works.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill handed over the newly completed tarmac and presided over the drawing of lots to facilitate the relocation process on Saturday.
“We have documented 60 persons that have to move from the carriageway to the tarmac that we agreed on,” he said noting that this approach intends to ensure that development does not come at the expense of people’s livelihoods.
The facility accommodates 70 vendors and includes two walkways and two parking areas, providing a safer and more organised space for vendors and members of the public.
The public works minister highlighted that the government has established market tarmacs in B-Fields, Plaisance, Buxton, Aubrey Barker, La Grange and Bagotsville and will continue to do so countrywide.
As part of this drive, the government is exploring establishing vending plazas in communities across the country through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
The proposed plazas are expected to include food courts and other amenities, creating clean, safe and tourist-friendly spaces for vendors and members of the public.