Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand expressed deep disappointment over the prolonged closure of Kitty Market and its poor sanitation, telling vendors and officials during a site visit that the situation could not continue.
The minister visited the market to assess progress on its long-awaited rehabilitation project, engaging vendors and key stakeholders on the way forward.
The visit comes as works on the market continue following delays, most recently associated with the installation of electricity infrastructure.
During the engagement, Manickchand met representatives of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), market officials and vendors to discuss outstanding matters and to seek updates on the project’s progress. Vendors and residents echoed the minister’s frustration over the closure and sanitation issues.
Kitty Market, one of Georgetown’s oldest municipal markets, has served the surrounding community for generations. Rehabilitation works first began in 2016 under the M&CC but experienced repeated delays over the years, leaving vendors awaiting completion of the facility. The project has since become a longstanding concern for both traders and residents, many of whom have been unable to fully use the market while works remained incomplete.
Representatives from GPL explained that while electrical works experienced setbacks due to insufficient infrastructure, significant progress has since been made. A transformer has been installed and utility poles erected, allowing GPL to proceed with the remaining works, with electrical connections expected to be completed within a few weeks.
Kesh Nandlall, representing GPL, said each market stall will have its own prepaid meter allocated, with installation to begin once the necessary applications have been submitted.
During a walkthrough of the market and surrounding areas, Manickchand listened to concerns raised by vendors regarding the pace of the project, cleanliness, stall security and the allocation of stalls upon completion. She assured vendors that the allocation process will be conducted fairly and transparently.
Sherlock Lovell, Clerk of Markets, also met with the minister as discussions focused on addressing vendors’ concerns and ensuring the rehabilitation delivers a modern, secure and functional market for traders and the wider community.
The Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, said it remains committed to modernising markets across the country and creating safe, accessible and economically vibrant spaces that support vendors, strengthen local commerce and improve residents’ quality of life.
