$40 Million Market for Port Maria

A modern $40 million market is to be constructed in Port Maria, St. Mary, this financial year.

This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 22.

He noted that the two-storey facility will be built at the location of the present Port Maria Market. It will house approximately 70 vendors on the first floor, while the second floor will facilitate business spaces for entrepreneurs.

This modern building will have two external staircases, an elevator and access aids for the physically challenged, in keeping with the building code.

The new market will also have water harvesting, solar power and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, among the features, as well as a proper parking area.

In the meantime, the market in Buff Bay, Portland, is to be completed this financial year, while works at the Clarks Town Market in Trelawny are to be finished.

“When completed, the new Buff Bay Market will provide accommodation for 100 vendors, and they in turn will serve the needs of the various communities in Buff Bay, Shirley Castle and Hope Bay,” he said.

This project will feature modern stalls for vendors, and proper colour coding and zoning of the market areas, low and renewable energy technologies, such as LED lights, solar panels, solar water heaters, water harvesting systems, modern bathroom and shower facilities for vendors.

Customers and vendors will also have access to bathrooms with special access for the physically challenged. In addition, there will be spaces for commercial offices or stores.

The Minister further noted that the Government will be looking at upgrading the Papine, Ocho Rios and Santa Cruz markets.