Marabella Market on the brink of collapse

The Marabella Market which was constructed more than 60 years ago is on the brink of collapse. The scores of  vendors who have been selling  for more than 30 years have been making enormous sacrifice each day as they try to make a living.

Vendors have since abandoned the stucture and have been putting together their own sheds with galvanise and wood. The make-shift sheds are spread across the compound in a disorderly manner. Well known vendor, Polly Santoo who has been selling vegetables and provisions at the market for more than 30 years told Newsday that the government has totally forgotten the vendors of Marabella. “We see ministers come and go. The only time they really stand up and talk to us is just before the elections. After that we don’t ever see a councillor nor any government people.”  Santoo complained that even the simple task of keeping their produce wet is difficult.

Another vendor Monilal Soogrim says that he has to deal with the lack of toilet facilities. “There is one toilet for more than 50 vendors who come in on Sundays to sell fresh vegetables and other daily products.” he said. Other vendors complain about the presence of mosquitoes in the area, as well the problem of flooding brought on by the rainy season. The vendors are calling on the authorities to look into the matter and assist the  vendors who are battling these problems on a daily basis.