KSAMC warns of possible rent increases for vendors

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is considering increasing weekly rental fees at the Constant Spring Arcade, saying current rates are too low to cover maintenance costs.

Speaking at Tuesday's council meeting, Mayor of Kingston and St Andrew, Andrew Swaby, said tenants paying between $900 and $2,600 weekly are not contributing enough to keep the facility running.

"To put it plainly, there is hardly anything being sold in that arcade for $900 or less, yet that is what some of our tenants pay weekly. And I will say also that some of them don't pay," Swaby said.

In July, KSAMC completed long-overdue bathroom renovations at the arcade, which included plumbing repairs, new fixtures, tiling, and painting. The improvements were aimed at creating a cleaner, more comfortable environment for vendors and shoppers.

"This project was meant to make the space more hygienic and welcoming for everyone," the mayor said.

Swaby added that KSAMC will also review corporate leasing arrangements to ensure that returns better reflect the value of the properties and the cost of upkeep. Each case will be considered individually.

"We do not intend to burden our tenants or partners, but we seek to improve the sustainability of KSAMC operations and continue delivering quality public service," he said.

The mayor noted that Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage mainly in the southwestern parishes, will require much of the central government's resources for relief and recovery.

"This makes it even more important for KSAMC to be financially resilient," he said, adding that high operational and expenditure costs remain a concern. Meetings have already started with departments to develop simpler systems to manage costs while improving performance.

- Sashana Small

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