Musgrave Market closed for clean-up

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

THE MUSGRAVE Market in Port Antonio is now closed to the public to facilitate a major clean-up operation of its stalls, sanitary convenience, and drainage system.

Deputy superintendent of the Portland Parish Council Roads and Works Department, Lloyd White, said the exercise is necessary as the walls at the market were discoloured with dirt, dust, and other materials.

"The entire market is undergoing major clean-up," he said. "The meat section, which was stained and had its counters darkened by flesh and blood, was heavily targeted. The roof, floor, corridors, walls, and ceilings are being powerwashed. The power hose will be used to clear and clean some of the main drains."

The clean-up exercise comes in the wake of mounting criticisms and complains from craft, food, and clothes vendors, about the heavy infestation of rodents, which were damaging their goods.

One of the vendors, who gave his name as Gilbert, said just about every vendor welcomes the clean-up exercise, which took some time in coming.

"We are really thankful for this," he said. "Rats and roaches were all over the place, even during daytime. And on many occasions our goods were damaged overnight by these pests, but with this major cleaning taking place, the muck and garbage will be removed, and the nest of those insects will be cleared away for good."

The exercise, which started on Monday, is scheduled to be completed on the weekend to facilitate vending.

When the The Gleaner visited the market on Wednesday, workers attached to the Portland Parish Council were busy clearing garbage and broken-down stalls.

Other vendors welcomed the clean-up exercise, but admitted that they were losing out on their livelihood since the closure of the market.