THE NEW deadline set for completion of the roofing of the Oxford Mall Market, is January 31, 2001.
This the third in a series of deadlines issued for the completion of the first phase (lighting and roofing) of the market, and comes despite colourful television commercials which invite 4,000 plus vendors and other business interests in downtown Kingston to share in the vision and learn about the benefits a completed market offers.
The market, located between Darling and Orange Streets in west Kingston, was started by the Jamaica Labour Party Government in the 1980s, but work on it stopped after the party lost power in 1989. Although work resumed this year, completion is still not in sight.
According to Lorna Perkins, Director of Physical Planning, Ministry of Local Government, no definite starting time has been set for phase two, during which tiles, stalls, bathrooms and other fixtures are to be installed. "Everything is being worked on," she said, explaining that various persons responsible for the project were unwilling to commit themselves to deadlines which could not be guaranteed.
"We are in the process of preparing estimates and seeking funding. The sanitary estimates are ready. It will cost between $2.5 million and $3 million to do four bathrooms. The funding is in place. It's just to start," she told The Gleaner on Monday. Mrs. Perkins gave this as a reason the vendors in downtown Kingston have got "their hearts' desire" by being allowed to sell on designated streets this Christmas.
"I don't think we are in a position to take them off the streets. The intention is to ensure that the infrastructure is in place so that when they (vendors) go in there, they will want to stay in there. The vendors won't be off the street until phase one is finished and we are into phase two."
But other persons have charged that the decision to allow the vendors to remain on the streets is motivated by political expediency.
"The people are in a hell of a predicament. Dem upset over conditions already. There is too much seller because there is no work fi them and no money not spending so they can't too dislodge the people dem. They have to go somewhere weh dem customers know dem deh (and) if yuh move dem during Christmas is a hell of ah thing you doing because them customers won't know whey dem deh," charged Eric Clement, president of the United Vendors' Association.
He said that for the time being, the authorities were concentrating on registering the vendors and keeping them in designated areas: Matthew's Lane between Beckford Street and Heywood Street; Pechon Street between Beckford Street and Spanish Town Road; Luke Lane between West Queen Street and Heywood Street; and New Chapel Lane between Beckford Street and Spanish Town Road, for ground provisions only.
On Monday, Mr. Clement said that during the last two weeks there was registration at the Ward Theatre, North Parade, downtown Kingston, but vendors were now being urged to register at the KSAC, 24 Church Street.
