President David Granger is supportive of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s fight against illegal vending but he hopes that every legitimate vendor would occupy a sanitary space that allows access to customers.

In an address to the City Council on Monday, President Granger called on the Council to consider the construction of new arcades for vendors and expand existing municipal markets.

“Madam Mayor, I would like to see, during the tenure in office of this coalition government, every vendor under a roof,” the President said.

He told Councillors that vending is a legitimate economic activity and asked that suitable places be found for the vendors to conduct business. “I suggest that you find suitable places where vendors can be protected from the elements but still have access to customers. I don’t see why decade after decade our poor citizens are left exposed,” he added.

The President said he is not satisfied with the chaos that occurs day after day in the nation’s capital and asked that the City Council reconsiders the prospects of zoning.

“Bring an end to the chaotic development that characterized earlier times,” he urged, while also complaining about the noisy bars and clubs that disturb the tranquility of hospitals, schools and residence of high state officials.

He said too that business places should not intrude into areas designated as residential zones and urged the Council to identify locations for the construction of new roadways and malls.

“We must have bus and taxi terminals, parking lots and crossings to protect pedestrians who have to compete with traffic in order go about business…. I suggest that this Council develop a much clearer vision for a sustainable city,” Mr. Granger said.

The President said his hope is to make the city safe again. “Families should not have to shut themselves in their homes… you must be able to go outdoors and jog, hangout and you must know that your daughters are safe.” He also wants to see an end to a compromised drainage system, illegally allotted reserves and parapet, squatting, congestion and illegal vending.

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