MINISTER WANTS VENDORS TO BE IN NEW BUFF BAY MARKET BY AUGUST 6
MORANT BAY, February 24 (JIS):
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is eyeing the Independence period as a timeline for the completion and reopening of the Buff Bay market in Portland.
The Minister visited the facility recently, where he reminded that the market was one of those chosen to be renovated when Jamaica had celebrated its 50th year.
“So, we want to see if in this year’s Independence, we will be able to fully open back the Buff Bay market for the use of vendors in this area,” Mr. McKenzie said.
He also revealed that phases one and two of the project have been completed. “We have demolished the whole structure which existed, and we have replaced it with a brand-new structure,” the Minister noted.
He said that phase three will “turn attention to the office of the market manager and complete the flooring”, while noting that an additional $25 million will be provided to the Portland Municipal Corporation to complete the renovation.
The Minister asked residents for their patience in the matter, as he pointed out that once completed, the market will be of a high standard with several new features.
Citing an example, he noted that recent fires affecting markets islandwide due to electrical short-circuit should not be a problem for the new Buff Bay market.
“When you look at this market, there will be no need for light because it is open and we have put in sky lights so this is one market we don’t have to worry about the cost of electricity and people stealing light to endanger the facility,” Mr. McKenzie said.
In the meantime, Member of Parliament for Portland Western and Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, stated that he was pleased with the progress of the market.
Mr. Vaz pointed to the “lots of fresh air” and the spacious and comfortable environment for the vendors.
“I think this is a model that we can use in other townships,” the Minister said.
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CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MORANT BAY
