Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn yesterday held the first in a series of planned discussions with Minibus Operators, Vendors, and other Stakeholders, at the Saint Stanislaus College Brickdam, to address the current traffic congestion and road safety issues at the Stabroek Market Square.
Present at the meeting were: members of the Minibus Association and President Eon Andrews; Minibus Operators from the various routes; Vendors; Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore; Senior Engineer, Kabila Hollingsworth of the Mayor and City Council; Engineer at Ministry of Public Works, Kester Hinds and team; Commander of ‘A’ Division- Assistant Commissioner, Simon Mc Bean and team; and Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle.
Minister Benn, in his opening remarks noted that the Stakeholders engagement is geared towards seeking the continuous improvement of the transportation and
congestion issues at the Stabroek Market Square.
He stated that “it is not our fundamental interest in moving people. [However], the fundamental interest is to bring order, optimal efficiency and safety out there.”
The minister emphasized the need for minibus operators and passengers to wear face masks in adherence to Covid-19 regulations. He added that tents will be placed at various bus parks to facilitate hand sanitizing and distribution of face masks.
Matters discussed with stakeholders at the meeting included the demarcating of the road lanes in the area, implementing a turn system at the bus parks, completing road maintenance work around the Stabroek area, and reinstalling barriers at the Kitty/Campbellville bus park inter alia.
Several concerns were also raised by the Stakeholders such as: police relations with Minibus Operators; touts at the bus parks; hot plate buses; and the disrespect for Police Officers at some bus parks.
Minister Benn assured Stakeholders that their concerns will be addressed as the Ministry continues its stakeholder engagement. He thanked all the stakeholders for their commitment and cooperation in working towards meaningful solutions to remedy the traffic congestion and road safety issues at the Stabroek Market Square.
