KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says $10 million is to be allocated, to carry out emergency clean-up and repairs at the Port Antonio Market in Portland.

During a tour of the facility on Friday, McKenzie said the market was in a deplorable condition and that efforts were to begin shortly to carry out the repairs.

“There are some other areas that need to be dealt with as quickly as possible.  I gave the vendors the assurance and the people of Portland that within the next four months the conditions at the Port Antonio market would be significantly improved,” he said.

In addition, the Minister also visited the Buff Bay market to get a first-hand view of the facility.

McKenzie added that on a previous visit in 2016, he had given assurances that the Buff Bay market would undergo some renovation work.

“Following the visit to the Buff Bay Market, we are going to be re-scoping what needs to be done and do more than just the renovation of the market. Those commitments will be honoured,” he said.

The minister noted that once the repairs are completed, the Portland Municipal Corporation will be hosting a series of sensitisation meetings with the vendors and stakeholders to buy into the use of the market.

“Because after the market is fixed, we will have to do all that is necessary to ensure that the vendors occupy the market,” he stated.