CONSTRUCTION OF NEGRIL FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET TO BEGIN IN 3 MONTHS
Residents of Negril can expect the construction of the new fruit and vegetable market for the town to begin in the next Three Months. On Friday, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, visited the town to meet with key stakeholders about the construction of the Negril market.
During the visit, the Minister disclosed that the town, which is currently the only major town in Jamaica without a market, will see the construction happening in two phases.
“I’m expecting that within the next two to three months, we will physically see major movements and some level of work that will commence on the long-awaited Negril market,” he said.
In phase one, the members of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation will re-engage the vendors, who are currently occupying the site for the permanent home of the market to prepare for relocation to a temporary space while construction is taking place. The Minister noted that the temporary space for the market is ready, noting that only the painting of the bathrooms and repairs to the fencing are left to be completed.
“The temporary location that was prepared couple months ago is fully ready. The bathrooms, water, [and] electricity is in place,” the minister said
“We did some work on the ground but because of Beryl, the fence is down. There is some minor works to be done on the road surface. As soon as the estimates which I’m expected to get by Monday (June 23) for that comes, the funds will be made readily available for the work to commence on the temporary cleaning and erecting back of the fence and painting of the bathroom, that should not take more than two weeks,” he added
The minister added that the new market will be retrofitted with translucent roofing for natural lighting to prevent fires; noting that 90% of fires in the markets across the island are because of illegal electrical wiring. He added that vendors who require additional lighting, will need to approach the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for a pre-paid system to be established.
“The municipality cannot undertake the cost of electricity when vendors bridge light or steal current and when the bill is to be paid it falls on the local authority,” the Minister warned.
The Mayor of Westmoreland, Councillor Danree Delancy said that Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has been waiting for the announcement and is committed to doing their part in the project’s success.
“For years, the WMC have been anxiously awaiting such pronouncements and we’re doing everything to ensure that this project runs as smoothly as possible because we are on for the development of our parish”, he said
“I think all in all, are parties concerned are on the same page at this time and are working towards that same common end” he continued.
