Minister of Works Claris Modeste- Curwen has disclosed that the St. George’s Market Square Project will now be completed in January 2006.

The female government minister made this announcement at the opening of the St .George’s Bus Terminus and Parking Lot last Thursday.

During a press conference held in August, Minister Modeste-Curwen disclosed that the project will be completed by year-end and the vendors re-located at the same time.

However, this has not materialised and work which started two years ago is still to be completed on Market Square which is expected to cost the island $500,000.00.

The scope of work involves the renovation of Market Square and its surrounding streets, pavements, pedestrian walkways and underground utilities.

The construction of the market was taken away from DJ’s Bobcat and Construction Services after the company faield to meet its deadlines and given to Sinclair Enterprises in an effort to speed up the work.

Government officials have said that this project can help reduce the traffic congestion in the city.

In August, nine vendors from the market were re-located to the temporarily bus terminus, while 11 temporary booths were constructed at the Market Square to accommodate vendors.

They were relocated to allow the continued construction of the Shopping Plaza which was disrupted by temporary vendor booths built in that area.

At the newly built St. George’s Bus Terminus and Parking Lot, a total of 21 vendors are being housed there.

There are lots of concerns by commuters and pedestrians about the location of the side walk vendors.

Most of the complaints are directed at vendors located on Halifax Street, St. George’s which is always crowded, leaving little or no space for pedestrians to walk.

According to Minister Modeste-Curwen, when the Market Square project is completed, the side walk vendors will be re-located there.

She also announced plans to refurbish the market, bus terminus and the abattoir in Grenville.

In addition, government intends to embark on the widening of Cemetery Hill, where there is frequent traffic congestion especially at early mornings when motorists rush to work.