A section of the dilapidated Coronation Market in downtown Kingston. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer

STARTING NEXT week, repair work will begin on the country's largest market in downtown Kingston.

The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and the Urban Development Corporation will be spending $30 million to rehabilitate sections of the Coronation Market.

Vendors have, in the past, complained bitterly about the condition of the market, with leaking roofs, a pile-up of garbage and poor drainage system.

Roof repairs

Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, announced earlier this week that work would be done on the roof of the market, and the drainage system would be improved. He also said the problem of garbage in the market would be dealt with.

Speaking at a press conference at the KSAC's offices on Church Street, Mayor McKenzie said some $10.5 million would be spent in the first phase of the project. He said $1.5 million would also be disbursed to carry out repairs on The Queen's Market, downtown Kingston.

Meanwhile, the KSAC says it will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal vending in the Corporate Area. According to Mayor McKenzie, the corporation has had discussions with the police about the matter.

He said it was now approaching the back-to-school season when vendors turn out in their numbers on the streets. However, he warned that this would not be tolerated.