Minister Bulkan calls on vendors to occupy stalls at Wismar Market

DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Neglected stalls at the Wismar Municipal Market, in Linden, could be rescinded if not utilised soon. The Ministry of Communities through the town’s municipality will be addressing this issue.

Wismar Municipal Market.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) during a recent visit to the town, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan explained that it is worrying to see close to 40 percent of the stalls unoccupied. The minister believes that the insubstantial rental fee is responsible for the negligent behaviour.

“I think one of the reasons is that the rental is too low so persons can afford to pay $1800 a month, which is a meagre sum for such a facility, and not use it beneficially. This is something I would recommend the municipality address…” Minister Bulkan said.

During the visit, the minister gave his assurance that there would be further improvements to the market including the installation of a second floor to allow for other vending activities such as fast foods booths. Minister Bulkan stated that this upgrade will be insignificant if persons are not occupying the stalls, thereby preventing other persons, who may be interested in utilising the stalls, from profiting.

“The issue of stalls not being occupied is a big one and must be addressed. Installing a second set [of stalls] is something definitely worth looking at but those persons who are not occupying their stalls are preventing others from carrying out vending activities and opening beneficial businesses in the market,” the Minister underlined.

The Wismar Municipal Market, which was rehabilitated at a cost of $103M, was opened in 2004 but had deteriorated. It has since undergone upgrades to the roof as well as the installation of translucent sheets among other repairs.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

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