The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

STRAW market vendors are still working at Fort Fincastle, despite ongoing repairs to the historic 126-foot water tower.

In July 2024, the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) posted a notice announcing the closure of the main gate on July 5, which led to complaints from vendors who felt displaced by the repairs.

However, Bacchus Rolle, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works, clarified yesterday that the vendors were never moved from Fort Fincastle. They have remained there throughout the repairs. Mr Rolle explained that work is currently focused on the tower’s interior, with plans to extend to the exterior as soon as possible.

The timeline for completing the repairs remains uncertain. 

Mr Rolle added that once work begins on the tower’s exterior, vendors will be relocated to another area of Fort Fincastle. He said this move is necessary due to safety concerns; falling concrete has posed a risk near the vendors.

“While we work to repair the exterior, we don’t want any catastrophe to happen,” Mr Rolle said.“We’re trying to move a certain number of the vendors from that area, to relocate them right on Fort Fincastle at the site, just to a different area. Then once the work is completed, the expectation is that they will go back.” 

Although the exact timing of the relocation is unclear, Mr Rolle emphasised that no move would take place until the Straw Market Authority, AMMC, the Straw Vendors Association for Fort Fincastle, and the Ministry of Works reach an agreement.

SJK Construction and Engineering is handling the restoration, with the project valued at $3m. The work, which started in early July 2024, is expected to take eight months.

The tower, standing 216 feet above sea level, is the highest point in New Providence and holds historical significance. It served as Nassau’s water supply until 1970 and became inoperable in 2002 due to safety concerns. 

In July 2024, Mr Rolle apologised for the miscommunication between all parties involved, adding that a notice posted by Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation announcing the closure of the facilities was premature.

He said a meeting was going be held for all stakeholders and allow an opportunity for communication and give “clear direction” on the next course of action. He noted that the government was committed to creating spaces for vendors that will be profitable while acknowledging their displacement in the coming weeks.