Several vendors at Stabroek Market are counting substantial losses after heavy rainfall flooded sections of the recently renovated market, damaging merchandise and prompting renewed concerns over the condition of the facility.
The flooding occurred on June 24 when a squall struck parts of the city and the Essequibo Coast. Vendors reported that water poured through sections of the roof and ceiling onto their stalls, soaking clothing, fixtures and other goods. Some vendors said they were unable to operate for up to three days while cleaning and salvaging merchandise.
One clothing vendor said stained garments had to be washed before being returned to display and sold at reduced prices because customers would likely view them as used clothing.
Stall owner Merlyn Greaves estimated her losses at more than $700,000, explaining that clothing hanging throughout her stall became soaked when water entered through the roof.
“I had to take out a lot of things,” Greaves told Kiskadee Watch, adding that many of the garments had to be washed before being sold at lower prices because their value had decreased.
Greaves said the problem has persisted for years and that she has repaired sections of her stall three times at her own expense.
According to Greaves, engineers previously visited the market after vendors complained about leaks and repairs were undertaken. However, she believes the work was inadequate, noting that strong winds during a previous storm worsened damage to the roof, allowing rainwater to pour into her stall during heavy rainfall.
She also pointed to deteriorating walls around her stall, saying prolonged exposure to water has weakened the structure.
Other vendors echoed similar concerns, describing recurring leaks that damage stock whenever there is heavy rainfall. One vendor estimated losses of about $500,000, including damaged clothing, reduced resale value after washing garments and lost business hours.
By July 7, the letter said, the matter remained unresolved, forcing some stall owners to temporarily patch holes themselves using adhesive and replace damaged roofing sheets to limit further flooding.
Vendors say the leaks are most severe during heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, contending that sections of the guttering appeared to have been patched rather than fully replaced during the renovation works.
They are now calling for officials to inspect the damage, engage affected stall holders and outline plans to address the defects before further rainfall results in additional losses.
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