ST JAMES, Jamaica-The St James Municipal Corporation has commenced demolition works on sections of the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, as it prepares to begin renovation of a section of the facility known as the Cleaners Quarters.

Representatives of the municipality’s Roads and Works Department, headed by the Deputy Superintendent, Saad Campbell, on Monday, visited the facility to oversee the demolishing of a compromised structure and the clearing of several truckloads of debris.

This is to facilitate the construction of new and temporary shop spaces to accommodate vendors over the period of repairs.

“There are shops on the periphery of the market and we are trying to relocate them, so we are making space by taking down a building that was dilapidated and unsafe and using the area to temporarily accommodate some of these persons,” the Works Commercial Services Manager, Pamela March said.

In the meantime, as the municipal corporation leads the process to improve, upgrade and modernise the facilities at the market, it is anticipated that at the completion of the project, stakeholders and consumers will be able to more comfortably and safely traverse, sell and enjoy their shopping experience.

Market Manager, Nico Wright is pleased to see the upgrading works and is encouraging vendors and customers to support the corporation in its effort to improve the market.

“I crave the patience, support and continued cooperation of vendors and shoppers for the continuation and completion of the project and thank everyone for their sacrifices,” said Wright.

The structural repairs project which is funded by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development commenced on February 6.