MARKET vendors in Ba were left frustrated yesterday after they were not allowed into the facility following an early morning flash flood.
A group of vendors spent most of the day trying to access their stalls, which were closed off by the Ba Town Council to ensure public safety.
Frustrated vendor Mohammed Riyaz said he wanted to check on his stall after the water receded in the market.
“They say that we have to wait but we can see there is very little water in the market,” he said.
“I’ve been here from the morning and they are not allowing us in.
“I need to check on my stall and see the damage.
“There could be things I could still save.”
Ba Town Council CEO Priya Singh said they could not allow access to the vendors until the council cleared the area. “Right now, our main concern is the safety of our vendors,” she said.
“Even though the weather seemed to have eased, there is still water inside the market.
“The council is still monitoring the weather and according to the weather officer, we will have high tide later tonight.
“Until we know that it’s safe for people, then we will open the market for vendors to clean up their stalls.”
She added the council would seek the assistance of relevant authorities to clear out debris and mud silt from the market before the vendors are allowed back in.
