00:02Restaurant owner Nishan Singh isn't confident his business can survive until Monero Street
00:07reopens in September.
00:09Numbers are down about 40 percent.
00:11Construction has blocked off nearby parking.
00:14Less walking because older people, they can't walk in.
00:17We had a few bookings that have been cancelled just due to the parking.
00:21The restaurant has been forced to reduce staffing.
00:24We used to have five people, now we have three people working during the day shift and at
00:29night shift, same thing again.
00:31Other restaurants are also facing a steep decline in trade.
00:35Car business is on the edge.
00:36Most of the takeaway orders is reduced by 40 percent and even the delivery drivers, they
00:42don't find any parking, which is getting us bad reviews on Uber.
00:46With stormwater infrastructure underneath the road almost 100 years old, the Caribbean Council
00:52says the upgrades are well overdue.
00:54It's introduced five stimulus measures, such as raffles with cash prizes for people who
00:59spend at least $20 at one of 85 local businesses.
01:03But restaurant owners along Monero Street say it's still not enough.
01:07We are after the practical support.
01:08They can reduce their bills, like the charges for the water and sanitation.
01:14If we can get some sort of rebate in rent and our rates, that will be really helpful.
01:20While businesses may be struggling, some local residents are looking forward to the improvements
01:25on Monero Street.
01:26It's going to be beautiful in the long run and everything will flow evenly, but you have
01:31to make a sacrifice.
01:32I guess it's means to an end and hopefully it'll be done soon.
01:35An investment in the future, but at what cost to the present?
01:38The afternoon national issue says the
01:44You
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