00:00It's the day after the demolition crews moved in on Vanda's Mall in Chaguanas,
00:06tearing down stalls as part of a clearing exercised by the Chaguanas Borough Corporation.
00:12Some vendors say the move came as a shock,
00:15with claims they were unaware of the exact timing of the operation.
00:20Well, yesterday when it was coming to Chaguanas,
00:23they didn't give them a notice from since last week,
00:26from since last week, and they didn't know they were here today,
00:31so they come and they mash down everything.
00:32In response, the Chaguanas Borough Corporation says the action follows a high court ruling
00:38which affirmed its authority to manage the space
00:41while requiring that reasonable accommodation be provided to displaced vendors.
00:46The corporation says alternative arrangements were made within the Chaguanas market,
00:51but over time, the vendor's mall became an unregulated area
00:55lacking electricity and running water,
00:58and opposing serious public health concerns.
01:01Officials also point to increasing reports of informal occupation and subletting,
01:07which they say contributed to disorder in the busy commercial district.
01:11The demolition is part of a broader plan to transform the area
01:15into a modern, well-organized transport hub
01:18aimed at improving access, safety, and economic activity in the borough.
01:24The corporation says the clearing process is now nearing completion
01:28and insists the move is necessary to restore order
01:31and create a safer environment for legitimate businesses.
01:35It maintains the exercise is in the public's best interest,
01:38but displaced vendors say the transition has been anything but smooth,
01:43raising concerns about communication and timing.
01:46Arvashita Wari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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