6 months after fire: Work to rebuild roof at Corriverton Market commences
Following the destruction to a section of the Corriverton Market by fire in November 2023, repair works to the roof of the market has commenced.
Two contractors have been given the job but one is yet to start working. On November 27, 2023, fire destroyed a section of the Corriverton Market. The Guyana Fire Service had stated that an electric fan, which was left switched on in one of the stalls had overheated and caused the fire, which gutted sections of the facility. Since then, several vendors have been displaced claiming that they cannot ply their trade at the facility.
Repairs works ongoing at the Corriverton Market
During his 2024 National Budget presentation, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had stated that this year, $1.2 billion budget, monies had been set aside to rehabilitate the Corriverton, Kumaka, and Suddie markets.
Mayor of Corriverton Imran Amin said recently that two contracts to undertake repairs have been awarded by the Ministry of Local Government; one is responsible for refurbishing the market roof and clearing all debris left by the fire while the other contractor has been awarded a contract to rebuild the stalls which were damaged.
However, only one of the two contractors has commenced work.
“The contractor is working on the roof and the other contractor has not started his work as yet because he is waiting for the contractor to finish the roof and give him clearance to work in the said area of the market,” the mayor explained.
Some affected vendors are still reeling from the impact of that disaster, explaining that it has been months they have not been able to carry on their trade.
The mayor said following the awarding of the contracts, he met with the vendors to give them an update.
“They were somewhat pleased about it but they want to get back to business,” Amin said.
According to Mayor Amin, the contractor has up to the end of the month to complete the roof.
Meanwhile, vendors are seeking compensation as according to them, they are struggling reestablished themselves. Additionally, they are claiming large sums of money in stock were damaged and destroyed. (G4)
