Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

THE PORTLAND Parish Council is to implement measures to improve its revenue collection at the Musgrave market, as vendors have failed to comply with the payment of vending fees which have skyrocketed to approximately $2 million.

Director of finance at the Portland Parish Council, Joan Thomas, said the council was struggling to meet utility payments for the Musgrave market on a monthly basis. She said some vendors had failed to comply with vending payments, of which they are being charged as little as $100.

"The biggest problem facing the council is the cost of electricity," she said. "This has amounted to approximately $171,000 monthly. There are also vendors who currently owe between $10,000 and $20,000 in vending fees."

No more subsidy

Thomas said the council could no longer subsidise operations at the market and that, with upgrade scheduled for the facility, the payment of vending fees was inevitable for all wishing to remain at the market.

"I urge those with outstanding accounts to start settling as of now," she said. "Those who fail to comply might not be given the opportunity to continue their trade."

She added that, in relation to illegal electricity connections, the council was now forced to increase its fees to those who use electricity to run their stalls and shops.

"This will, however, be communicated in due time."

Rehab for market

The market is to undergo major rehabilitation and will be closed for several months. Approximately $43 million is to be spent to complete the work. So far, the Tourism Product Development Company has donated $23 million towards the project.

During the expected rehabilitation, vendors will be transferred to temporary sites at the craft village facility at Allan Avenue and the Oliver Park facility.