800 vendors to be moved to Carbon Market

CEBU, Philippines - At least 800 side street vendors at the Cebu City Market will be transferred to Unit 2 of the Carbon Market once construction of the building is completed next year.

City Market Administrator Raquel Arce said the transfer would mean cleaner and wider sidewalks along M.C Briones Street, Plaridel Extension, and Quezon Boulevard, within the city market.

“Atong gisugdan nga i-identify na sila aron dili na ta ma-problema para naa nay inventory kun kinsay motinda diha,” she said.

Arce clarified, however, that the clearing operation does not mean that all streets in markets will be cleared of vendors. She said the vendors are being regulated to ensure that their location will not hamper market operation and the convenience of market goers.

What is certain at this point in time is that those selling rice, corn, and other grocery products will be stationed in Unit 2, she said.

The city government will be spending at least P300 million to construct Carbon Market Unit 2, which was razed by fire in 1998.

Arce said Phase 1 of the project, which costs P170 million, is 40 percent complete.

The construction started in August this year.

Arce explained that the delay in construction work is attributed to the changing weather and because contractors have had a difficult time working on excavation of the footings.

Phase 1 is expected to be finished by February next year. It includes the ground floor and the flooring of the second floor.

“After sa Phase 1, dili pako mo-suggest nga i-occupy na ang building considering nga wala pa mahuman ang parking building sa third floor,” she said.

The Phase 2 amounting to P150 million includes the construction of ramp in the second and third floors and the proposed bed and bath for transient vendors in the fourth floor.

Arce said that her office has included P150 million in its proposed annual budget for next year. If the City Council will approve the budget, Arce the project will be implemented swiftly.

She said the design will be presented to Mayor Michael Rama before the year ends for his approval.

“Before elections hopefully mahuman ang whole project kay mao na among dugay nga pangandoy kay I will consider it as my legacy nga gihuwat sa tanang vendors,” Arce said.  (FREEMAN)