Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker last Friday officially handed over the Gy$83 million Mahaica Market to the area’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette, local government officials, including Unity/Vereeniging NDC Chairperson Anoopwattie Veeren and dozens of vendors.
Minister Whittaker told the gathering that the market was another example of government’s support to bring order to the manner in which people vend and to provide healthy, safe and hygienic conditions for buyers and sellers.
Minister Whittaker challenged the appointed Market Committee, which comprises vendors, and NDC, RDC and Local Government Ministry officials, to work along with the vendors to optimise the use of the market by encouraging them to vend within its boundaries and off the road sides.
He further emphasised the need for accountability, with respect to the earnings realised from the use of the facilities.
The market, which was constructed by Dookie Contracting Services with washroom and water supply facilities, can accommodate 120 stalls on its ground floor and staffing facilities, and a meeting room on the top floor.
Corlette commended government for financing the project and urged the vendors to utilise and care the facility.
