Vendors to vacate "unstable" Unit 1

Over 400 vendors are to be relocated from Carbon Market Unit 1 after the city engineer's office said it is in danger of collapsing anytime.

Market Administrator Elpidio dela Victoria said the city engineer's office inspected the area two weeks ago and found that 17 concrete posts of Unit 1 are no longer connected to the building's foundation.

Dela Victoria said this might be because the posts are susceptible to water considering that the structure, reportedly built in the 1950's, is near the sea.

Engineer Antonio Sanchez recommended that the place be vacated the soonest possible time as it "poses eminent danger to life and property". There are 500 stalls in Unit 1, 471 of which are occupied by fish and meat vendors and eateries.

The market authority conducted an emergency meeting with the vendors' organization yesterday afternoon and the vendors requested they be relocated to Escaño Street fronting the Carbon police station.

The city government recommended that they be relocated to the second floor of Unit 3 but the vendors reportedly said the place is not healthy for business. Dela Victoria said he is optimistic that Mayor Tomas Osmeña will grant their request since the issue pertains to their livelihood and vehicles are no longer utilizing Escaño Street.

Dela Victoria said the vendors also offered to spend for the construction of their stalls, which will be subject to reimbursement by the city government. Unit 1 will undergo rehabilitation the soonest possible time.