Vendors and patrons at the Vigie Beach vending facility are expressing growing frustration over what they describe as an unbearable stench emanating from beneath the property—an issue they say has been ongoing for over a year and continues to worsen.
The beachfront facility, which houses six vending shops, a central dining area, and public washrooms, is managed by the National Conservation Authority (NCA). According to vendors, the odor is believed to be the result of a backed-up sewage system beneath the structure. They say repeated complaints to NCA officials, including site manager Mr. Perineau, have gone unaddressed.
“From last year, and it seems to be getting worse,” one vendor shared. “We have complained many times to Mr. Perineau, but they never addressed it.”
Vendors provided a detailed account of the harsh working conditions they endure.
“That smell is getting worse. It’s unbearable,” said one. Another vendor described seeing maggots in the area. “It stinks,” they said flatly.
Others were even more blunt. “That smell is f**ked up,” one vendor remarked. “That is horrific; you’re drinking there, and you’re taking the smell of that. This has been an issue for quite some time, and it’s like a continuous slap in your face.”
The impact on business has been severe. Vendors say potential customers are leaving almost as soon as they arrive.
“It’s affecting our business because people come, they stay a bit, but once they start to take the smell, they leave,” one vendor explained.
Despite the worsening conditions, vendors say they are still required to pay rent, with monthly fees ranging from $600 to over $1,000.
Efforts to get comment from the National Conservation Authority were unsuccessful. Calls placed to the general manager’s office went unanswered.
As the stench grows stronger and the frustration deeper, the occupants are demanding urgent action to restore basic sanitary conditions at the otherwise popular beachside spot.
