Vendors upset over state of Constant Spring Arcade

Vendors in the Constant Spring Arcade say they have been without running water for more than two years and are pleading with the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to rectify the problem.

"I don't know why we cannot have running water for almost three years now, and in a situation with the COVID-19 virus we supposed to have constant water to keep the place sanitised," said vendor Valerie Robinson. Vendors say one water truck comes per week, but that is insufficient to serve the entire arcade. The vendors also complained about the unsanitary bathroom facilities. According to Janice Reynolds, the stench has driven away customers.

"It is rough, especially for me who is near the bathrooms. The scent more while nuh normal. They have someone who clean it, enuh, but because we don't have running water it is not properly maintained. Di truck come deliver water and sometimes all two weeks before dem come back again and that is affecting business. Mi affi ketch water when the rain fall or set bucket under the AC," she said. The arcade was closed for a period last year due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. But vendors say they are now being told they have retroactive rent to pay.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Robert Hill told THE STAR that the KSAMC is aware of the issues and will be addressing them in the near future.

"I will have to do a deeper analysis of the situation so we can know how to properly serve and respond to these problems, but I am aware of some issues that they are having," he said. "It has to be done very, very quickly but I could not give you an exact date as to if it is next week, or next month. We are planning to ensure that that is done and brought up to the quality standard."