The Pile Bay, St Michael fishing facility is set for a $1 million upgrade.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy has started work to refurbish and expand the well-known fishing complex.
A temporary facility has been erected to house the four fish vendors who usually operate there and workmen are building a state-of-the-art complex that would accommodate seven vendors. The new fish market will be extended by ten feet and customers will be required to purchase fish over the counter.
Fisherfolk in Pile Bay have asked for better facilities for a number of years.
They complained of the market being too congested as there was not enough space to clean fish; the lack of proper storage facilities, including cold storage; poor lighting and security.
The $1 million upgrade includes the establishment of a designated area for boats, parking facilities, proper bathroom facilities, a gazebo, a boat haul facility, and a water tank for outdoor usage.
During the launch ceremony of the redevelopment project on Monday at the market, Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Kirk Humphrey said that the improved facilities would complement the fish market’s social culture.
“Pile Bay has its own culture and we do not wish to disturb it but to find a way to capture the essence of what Pile Bay is and Barbados is,” he said.
The other fish markets and complexes that received upgrades were the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, Christ Church; The Bridgetown Fisheries Complex and the Speightstown fish market.
Humphrey said there are plans to upgrade markets at Tent Bay, St Joseph; Consett Bay, St John and Weston, St James. (SB)
