Georgetown: During a recent visit to the mining town of Bartica, the Alliance for Change raised serious concerns about the performance of the NDC.The relatively new market building, constructed by persons outside of Bartica, is without water and electricity for two months due to the continued incompetence of the NDC, THE afc stated.The NDC, though they have been paid stall fees by the stall holders, have yet again failed to remit monies to GPL and GWI resulting in disconnection of electricity and water. This situation, coupled with the inadequate ventilation, poor internal design and general apathy with respect to maintenance, have led to serious loss of income through the closure of some stalls, and a slowdown of business activity in market.
Stallholders expressed disgust and frustration at the snail-paced decision-making of the NDC and the apparent lack of concern by the Ministry of Local Government. They are also asking for a shed to be erected at the back of the market so that the doors do not have to be closed when it rains. Presently, with the lack of lights this puts the market in darkness. Awnings are also needed over the vents to prevent rain from flashing in and wetting the stalls below. The drain system in the meat and fish section is completely blocked. The stallholders said the pipes should have been run individually straight down to the river instead. They pointed out too, that most of the stalls at the sides of the market are unoccupied because they lack direct access from the main passageways.
The AFC calls on the new Minister of Local Government to seriously re-engage the defaulting NDC, GPL and GWI with a view to resolving the crisis and alleviating the suffering of the stall holders, most of whom are totally dependent on these ventures for their daily existence. The AFC in a release said that it is also urging the Minister to ensure that remedial works to the market be undertaken immediately,
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