Stalls still incomplete

Stabroek wharf relocation

…as vendors cite skewed payment demands

Preparations to relocate vendors to a section of the Route 42 bus park (Diamond-Grove) will be extended for yet another week, as some stalls are yet to be constructed while others are almost completed.
During a visit to the site on Friday, the vendors were in process of detailing their arcades and ensuring that they were conducted uniformly to the specified dimensions. There are two sizes for the the stalls and as such, prices vary.
There is the smaller size, measuring five feet by eight feet with a height of 13 feet, which is set at a cost of $3,400 per month. The standard size, measuring 10 feet by eight feet with 13 feet height is priced at $6,800 per month.
Speaking with <<<Guyana Times>>>, a stall owner who was completing the construction process, Patrick Singh, noted that vendors were informed by City Hall that the stalls would be painted in cream, with brown outlines. So far, only a few persons have completely painted and equipped their section with the expectation that others will follow suit before Saturday, December 15.
As it relates to payment, some vendors have complained that they were informed of a $10,000 fee which is to be paid to the Council. While only some were briefed about this ‘arrangement’, others are under the impression that it is not a standard agreement but as a result of staff trying to “squeeze” monies out of their pockets.
During a previous visit in November, stall owners explained that they were working assiduously to finish construction before the month of December since consumers would make preparations for their holiday shopping. Consequently, this did not materialise and works were delayed for another two weeks.
“Well we have like two more week till the month end so that should be good way. Now is the time that everybody hurrying cause not too long they mark off the stand number,” said a vendor who was positive about a timely completion.
As per requirements by City Hall, merchants have spent their own monies to construct the stalls to the tune of $400,000 for one spot. The area which was previously cordoned-off with steel barriers has been changed to chain-link fencing.
City Hall presented a budget of $23M which was used to erect barricades and groundwork. As such, it was determined that the Council could not stand the cost of constructing stalls for some 82 vendors. It was decided that the vendors would be solely responsible for the construction exclusive of electrical lighting.
This decision was taken after the question was raised as to whether the Council could’ve taken up the mantle of producing the stalls to which the Town Clerk, Royston King responded, “We don’t have the money to do it.”
The wharf remains on the agenda for rehabilitation and this is slated to last for two years at the cost of some $400M. A recent fire engulfed a section of the wharf and the estimated damages were not announced. Until the relocation, the Route 42 buses (Diamond-Grove) will remain on Bugle Street.