By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Vendors operating at the Bourda Market continue to face unsanitary and hazardous conditions, which they say are severely affecting their livelihoods as customer traffic and daily sales steadily decline.
During a visit to the market on December 9, 2025, vendors told HGPTV Nightly News that business had slowed dramatically as shoppers avoided the facility due to what they described as “deplorable and unhealthy” conditions. Several sections of the market were flooded, with stagnant water emitting a strong and unpleasant stench that vendors said had lingered for nearly a week.
Stallholders reported that the water did not recede, forcing them to operate under conditions they believe pose serious health risks to vendors and customers. Many expressed fears of illness and contamination, noting that the environment has made it increasingly difficult to earn a living. Despite the passage of time and the start of the new year, vendors report little to no improvement.
The issue recently drew the attention of the Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, along with several Members of Parliament, who visited the market to hear directly from affected vendors and shopkeepers. Mohamed questioned how vendors were expected to operate through the busy Christmas season under such conditions, while MPs Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Natasha Singh-Lewis, and Duarte Hetsberger also engaged stallholders.
Vendors expressed frustration, noting that leaking pipes and standing water persist without repairs, driving customers away. Several vendors said that since Christmas, sales have dropped significantly because patrons are reluctant to shop in the market’s current state.
Attention was also drawn to another issue affecting small vendors in the city. On Sunday morning, vendors operating around Yhip’s Bakery at the corner of Alexander and Robb Streets were removed in compliance with a High Court order. The Mayor and City Council later cleared debris left behind following the removal.
Mr. Mohamed subsequently met with the displaced vendors, many of whom said vending is their sole source of income. He called on the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to implement systems to ensure vendors are relocated to locations that are both convenient and suitable for conducting business.
While Nightly News understands that Merriman’s Mall has been identified as an alternative location, some vendors argue that the site is inconvenient and may further affect their ability to earn a living.
Chief City Councillor Alfred Mentore addressed aspects of the situation during Monday’s statutory meeting, details of which are expected to be reported in a subsequent story.
As vendors continue to grapple with health concerns, displacement, and declining sales, calls are growing for urgent intervention to address sanitation issues at Bourda Market and to provide sustainable solutions for small traders across the city.
