Market vendors move to temporary location

CEBU, Philippines – More than 300 vendors occupying the old public market in Lapu-Lapu City will soon be transferred to a temporary location to give way to the market's repair.

In yesterday's weekly press briefing at Lapu-Lapu City hall, assistant city engineer Alan Pedrigal said his office had recommended the immediate transfer of fish vendors occupying the second floor on account of cracks on the walls.

"Gusto lang nato nga malikayan ang aksidente, mao nga gusto nato nga ayuhon sa labing dali nga panahon ang atong merkado," said Pedrigal.

He said included in the transfer are vendors occupying the ground floor.

Last week, city officials announced that the vendors will be moved to the unfinished public market at Muelle Osmeña in barangay Poblacion.

But Mayor Paz Radaza is confident the place would encounter problems with cleanliness and that market goers would be inconvenienced.

City market administrator Elena Caballes said her office supports the transfer.

Caballes said it was agreed that the vendors would be transferred to J.P. Rizal and Mangubat Streets in barangay Poblacion where cleanliness can be maintained.

The City Traffic Management System will temporarily close the place to traffic.

City Traffic Management System chief Frank Brazil said they are adopting a traffic rerouting scheme to minimize traffic problems in the vicinity of the old public market.

However, Brazil said the traffic rerouting scheme is temporary saying that the repair of the old market is scheduled to be finished after two months.

The city council has allocated an initial amount of P3 million for the repair.

City administrator Teodulo Ybanez said the city council can appropriate additional funds. (THE FREEMAN)