Blind workers lose King’s Wharf customers

They have called on the Urban Development Corporation (UDeCOTT) to hasten their move to a permanent building on Coffee Street.

UDeCOTT is overseeing the construction of the multi-million dollar government administration building on Chancery Lane, which led to the eviction of the blind workers from the association’s dilapidated building on New Street.

The association’s south manager, Deonarine Ragoo, said yesterday that the branch has a high clientele and since its temporary relocation to King’s Wharf, there has been a significant drop in the sale of their handicraft.

“Our customers do not know where to find us. We thought it better not to advertise our new relocation place because we were told that we would be moving into our new permanent building soon,” Ragoo said.

Ragoo said UDeCOTT officials told him yesterday that a building at the corner of Coffee Street and Lower Hillside had been purchased for them. “Well at least we know that we have the building. Now we have to wait on the completion of minor refurbishment works at the building for the proper accommodation for us and our customers,” he said.

Ragoo pleaded with UDeCOTT to move expeditiously to have the building completed.

“It is a disadvantage where we are presently. We know that it is temporary but we want quick action. Our production is being hampered with and we are losing our customers,” Ragoo said.

UDeCOTT’s manager, Nigel Williams, could not be reached for comment yesterday.