Organised vending for new Independence Blvd

Vendors are now able to ply their trade in a neat manner along the newly rehabilitated Independence Boulevard, allowing free traffic flow and continued activities.
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar led an inspection of the internal road network at Albouystown and the Boulevard on Friday, where he expressed satisfaction with this development.
When the stretch of roadway was being upgraded, the vendors agreed to the move and Government constructed a concrete platform for them to establish organised stalls with proper security.
“We made a concrete platform so that they can put their shops. There are a number of shops and they aren’t built shabby-looking. They built proper structures with good closures and so on so that they can ply their trade because it is a new boulevard now. Traffic is moving smoothly,” Indar outlined.
He added, “I believe the entire looks of the area now has improved. Traffic flow is a main artery now to move people from Cemetery Road to La Penitence.” The Boulevard upgrades racked up a bill of $1.4 billion under the Urban Enhancement Project. The 1.8 km project, stretching from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, has a double-lane carriageway on the northern side and a single-lane carriageway on the southern side.
Last year when the project was launched, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had stated that the Boulevard formed part of wider plans to modernise and transform the capital city of Georgetown.
Between these two carriageways lies a promenade outfitted with lights, benches, concrete drains and strategically placed garbage bins to ensure the maintenance of a clean and environmentally-friendly space. In addition to increasing property value and easing traffic congestion, the project also aimed to create job opportunities as contractors were encouraged to hire residents within the area.
In order for the project to be executed, several informal residents residing along Punt Trench, Cemetery Road and Saffon Street were given alternative housing options as part of the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) relocation and resettlement programme.
Meanwhile, Indar called on persons within the community to care the new infrastructure in light of instances where there were damages.
“We saw some of them being kicked down and be damaged. When we build things, they are meant for good. They should not turn out to be bad. I’m asking the community and those who are using the facilities to care it.”
The Minister also debunked comments made, reportedly that the community roads were not upgraded. He shed light on the fact that several key roads in Albouystown were restored and paved. Nine out of the 18 roads have been built and the others will also be redone.
He asserted, “This area has seen general development and we will continue to work with the residents in the community, especially those that are willing.