The Ministry of Public Works has issued a final removal notice to vendors operating within the alignment of the East Coast Road Improvement Project along the Railway Embankment at Buxton.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill issued the notice during a site visit yesterday, stressing the need for immediate compliance to allow works to proceed safely and without further interruption.
The notice comes after efforts by the Ministry to facilitate the relocation of vendors affected by the ongoing infrastructure works. As part of this process, a lottery exercise was conducted to allocate spaces at a newly constructed tarmac adjacent to the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), with 61 persons participating in the allocation.
Despite this arrangement, however, some vendors have yet to relocate, delaying the continuation of works along the Railway Embankment. Compounding the issue, the continued presence of vendors and other activities close to the active construction zone presents significant safety concerns for vendors, workers and other members of the public.
Addressing these concerns, Edghill said the Ministry recognises the importance of accommodating persons affected by major infrastructure projects.
He stressed, though, that once alternative arrangements are in place, stakeholders are expected to cooperate with the relocation process, particularly where their continued presence poses a safety risk and impedes critical works.
Building on this point, the Ministry reminded residents, vendors, businesses and other stakeholders located within the direct alignment of active project areas that their cooperation with contractors, and by extension the Ministry, is essential to ensuring projects progress within required timelines and to the benefit of the wider community.
Looking ahead, the ministry said it remains committed to engaging stakeholders and facilitating practical solutions where possible, while continuing to take the necessary steps to ensure critical public infrastructure projects are not unnecessarily delayed and that construction can proceed in a safe, orderly and efficient manner.
