Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has met with vendors operating along Dennis Street in the vicinity of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, to map out a plan to relocate them without disrupting their livelihoods as major roadworks continue in the area.
The meeting, held in the Ministry’s boardroom, was aimed at establishing a clear and mutually beneficial path forward. Minister Edghill announced that within two weeks, vendors will be transitioned to a newly constructed designated tarmac prepared specifically for them by the Ministry. Spaces will be allocated through a transparent lottery system, with additional transition support available on a needs basis.
The Minister made clear that the timeline is firm and that cooperation is essential to keeping the project on track.
“Once you pull your number for your spot, you must move to the tarmac by the following day because the road will be handed over to the contractor and all hindrances in the path of the project will be removed for the continuation of the road,” Edghill said.
Beyond the logistics of the move, the Minister challenged vendors to use the transition as an opportunity to elevate their operations, urging them to tap into the Development Bank loan facility to improve the appearance and quality of their businesses.
“This can’t be a shanty town operation. Therefore, I encourage all of you to utilize the Development Bank loan to beautify your space as a long-term goal for your respective businesses,” he said.
Vendors responded positively to the directives, pledging their full cooperation with the relocation exercise.
The relocation forms part of the wider infrastructural transformation underway in the Sophia area. Dennis Street is currently being upgraded from the Eastern Highway heading east to Red Road, commonly known as ‘E’ Field, with works also ongoing on internal main access points for several fields including ‘B’ and ‘C’. Upon completion, the upgraded corridor will feature two widened lanes, significantly improved drainage systems and the full rehabilitation of several bridges along the alignment.
