-no final decision yet on return of stalls
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has begun consultations with vendors, school administrators and canteen operators on new vending arrangements along Woolford Avenue following the displacement of roadside sellers during recent infrastructure works.
Minister Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang first met the affected vendors on Monday and held a separate meeting yesterday with head teachers, school board chairpersons, Parent-Teacher Association representatives and canteen operators.
Principal Education Officer Immanuel Bridgewater led the Ministry of Education team at yesterday’s meeting.
No final decision has been announced on whether the vendors will be allowed to return to their former locations or where they may eventually be accommodated.
The first phase of the Woolford Avenue project included the expansion of the roadway and the construction of drains and pavements. Several vendors operating along the corridor were displaced during the works.
According to two releases from the Local Government Ministry, the consultations are intended to produce an arrangement that balances the livelihoods of vendors with the interests of nearby schools, canteen operators, students and parents.
During Monday’s meeting, vendors raised concerns about their displacement and the difficulties they face in securing permission to operate.
The possibility of establishing organised and standardised vending structures which complement the upgraded surroundings was also discussed.
Manickchand told the vendors that their removal had not been the objective of the project. She said the ministry was examining how vending could be reorganised without sidelining those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
The discussions also addressed the relationship between roadside vendors and canteens operating at schools along the avenue.
Yesterday, school administrators and canteen operators were given an opportunity to present their concerns before any decision is made.
The ministry said the school officials raised concerns about some roadside vending operations, including reports of “unlawful and disrespectful behaviour” which it said was harmful to children.
The release did not identify the alleged conduct, say whether formal complaints had been made or indicate whether any incidents had been reported to the police or other authorities.
Manickchand said any new vending system would have to be properly structured and governed by clear standards, particularly because the vendors operate near children and educational institutions.
The ministry said the positions presented at both meetings would be considered as it develops the new arrangement.
Further engagements are expected with the vendors, canteen operators, head teachers and other affected parties. No timetable was given for completing the consultations or implementing the new system.
Kiskadee Watch reported that stalls and other structures were removed from sections of the pavement during works which continued late into Saturday night and early Sunday morning as officials attempted to complete the corridor before schools reopened.
At the time, Manickchand apologised for the disruption but said the works were necessary to improve traffic flow and the surroundings for more than 6,000 students and 3,000 teachers who use the area.
Woolford Avenue is bordered by several schools and experiences severe traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
The ministry said the infrastructure improvements must be accompanied by engagement with those whose livelihoods and daily activities have been affected.
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