The rubber is about to hit the road on Government’s plan to get wayside mechanics off the streets and into modern, convenient clusters in which they can share resources and operate safely.
Minister of International Business and Industry, the Honourable Ronald Toppin revealed today that one Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) site had already been identified and architects and other professionals engaged to complete designs and other preparatory works.
This pilot location, he added, would accommodate 16 mechanics and the lessons learnt from this first exercise would make the creation of future facilities much smoother and faster.
For decades Barbadians have complained about the inconveniences and hazards caused by the operation of wayside mechanic’s shops in their neighbourhoods, with complaints ranging from blocked streets to overgrown derelict vehicles that provide a perfect habitat for rodents, as well as nuisances created by noise and noxious fumes.
While this project pre-dates COVID-19, the Minister explained that Government’s intention is to assist Barbadians in restarting their businesses in a post-COVID environment that is much more efficient, comfortable and safe.
He said too his Ministry would assist in helping Barbadians to turn ideas that arose as a result of the COVID challenges into fruitful business opportunities.
Minister Toppin noted, for example, that the explosion in the number of Barbadians working from home had created a market for appropriate home-office furniture, while new ventures were possible in delivery services based on e-commerce.