Water recedes from Stabroek Market

…vendors resume selling

Floodwaters at the Stabroek Market have finally receded after high tides caused major inundation at the rear section last Tuesday.
During a visit to the area, vendors returned to their respective stalls with produce and other merchandises and began their day as per normal. There was rainfall in the morning hours, which was drained from the premises.
While the Mayor and City Council has pledged to fix the issue of flooding in the new year, the merchants said it was too long to abstain from their livelihood. As such, they were capitalising on the favourable weather until otherwise.
Guyana Times understands that the main cause of the inundation over the past days was due to a trapdoor, which regulated the drainage, that was left unregulated. This revelation was made by one vendor, who gave her name as Sidita.
The Council had issued a statement on the situation, stating flooding would usually occur when there are expected high tides. To factor in a more holistic approach, ‘disruptions’ will take place. But the Council has decided to put the matter on the back burner until next year.
“To treat with the issue holistically, there will be significant disruption of the market operations; selling will be ceased temporarily. The Council contemplated its action and considered the quest of the stallholders to yield sales, especially being the Christmas season. Nevertheless, the Council remains committed to dealing with the issue in early January 2020,” the Georgetown Council disclosed.
In October, the market was also closed for a few days, owing to high tides which caused widespread flooding. During that time, all the items stored on the ground were damaged, especially perishable and consumable items.
Nevertheless, persons occupying the market area are hoping that the issue can be rectified as soon as possible, so that it does not pose a greater threat in the future.