Government has restricted vending and recreational activities between Vlissengen Road and Ocean View. According to the Ministry of Public Works, activities will now be centered on the area west of Vlissengen Road to Camp street.
The prohibition is as a result of damage to the sea defence infrastructure, excessive buildup of garbage in the drains and canals leading to flooding, and the increasing traffic congestion and its related safety risks, especially on Sundays and holidays.
“It is proposed to relocate all the vendors (inclusive of mobile units, drinks carts, hot dog stands, etc) to the section of the seawall embankment between Camp Street and Vlissengen Road, where a three-month permit will be issued for vending.”
The Ministry said that it will be meeting with vendors who operate between the closed area on Wednesday at 09:30 hours at its offices at Fort Street, Kingston, where issues relating to the relocation will be discussed.
“For the public convenience and safety, the section of road between Camp Street and Vlissengen Road will be made a one way heading east; the street lights on this embankment will be activated and the embankment will be cleaned to facilitate parking and vending.”
The closed section of the seawall has become a popular hangout for especially families and lovers on Sundays with cars, music and food very much prevalent.
However, Government and nearby residents have been complaining about the garbage situation and noise.
Recent high tides forced the area of highway to be closed as authorities embarked on a massive exercise to clean away the sand and garbage that piled up there last weekend. They had hinted then on a possible decision to stop recreational activities in that particular area.