Market degraded, small traders successively close kiosks
On August 5, Lao Dong Newspaper's records at Cua Bac market, Thanh Vinh ward, Nghe An province showed that many kiosks in the market had closed, creating a quiet scene in the market area that used to be a bustling trading point of Vinh city center before.
In the fresh food business area, wastewater from stalls at times flows out into the walkways, accumulating in puddles due to inefficient drainage systems.
Many canopies and steel columns in the cage area have rusted after a long period of use. Some garbage collection areas still have nylon bags, spoiled vegetables and food waste, causing unsightliness and unpleasant odors, especially on hot sunny days.
According to small traders, the number of customers coming to the market has decreased significantly in recent years. Besides the competition of supermarkets, convenience stores and online shopping forms, old and degraded facilities also reduce the attractiveness of the market.
Ms. Le Thi Hien - a long-time business trader - said: "The old market, in hot summer and rainy season, has leaks in some places, and fewer and fewer customers, making trading very difficult. We hope the market will soon be concerned with repairs, especially the gate system, exits, ventilation and items that have deteriorated so that traders can feel secure in doing business.
Not only worried about sluggish business, many small traders are also concerned about fire safety. According to records, the electrical wiring system is stretched along rows of kiosks to serve fans, lighting and business equipment.
In some areas, goods are displayed in front of the counters, causing the walkway to narrow, affecting traffic in the market.
Ms. Le Thi Quyen - a small trader doing business at the market - said that if a fire or explosion incident occurs, the damage to business households will be very large.
If business is difficult, we will try to hold on, but if a fire occurs, the assets accumulated over many years may be lost. We hope the market will be renovated soon, replaced with degraded items and regularly checked the electrical system to feel secure in doing business" - Ms. Quyen said.
Waiting for renovation plan
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Dau Doan Thang - Director of Cua Bac Market Cooperative - said that the market was invested and built in 2009 and put into operation in 2010.
After more than 15 years of operation, many items such as cage floors, roofs, drainage systems and some auxiliary works have deteriorated due to the impact of time and usage process.
The synchronous renovation of the market requires a large source of funding, while there are currently no conditions to implement it immediately. In the immediate future, the Cooperative continues to review damaged locations for repair within its capabilities, prioritizing items that directly affect business operations and the safety of small traders and people.
The unit also strengthens inspection and reminds business households not to encroach on walkways, maintain general hygiene and implement fire prevention and fighting regulations.
Mr. Thang added that while waiting for funding to synchronously renovate, the Cooperative is looking for and proposing a plan to link with capable businesses to invest and exploit the market in the form of socialization.
According to the Director of Cua Bac Market Cooperative, if a suitable investor is found, the renovation of infrastructure, technical systems and reorganization of business operations will have conditions to be implemented more methodically.
Mr. Nguyen Sy Dieu - Chairman of Thanh Vinh Ward People's Committee - said: "The situation of Cua Bac market being degraded, messy, and sluggish has been going on for many years. However, this is a land area that has been planned for a market and is managed by the unit, so the ward cannot intervene directly but only handle violations of traffic and security and order if any".
According to Mr. Nguyen Sy Dieu, considering the current urban development conditions, the arrangement of markets at this location reveals many inadequacies, but this issue is outside the authority of the ward.
While there is no long-term plan for Cua Bac market, small traders hope that in the immediate future, degraded items, drainage systems, environmental sanitation, electrical systems and walkways in the market will be repaired soon to ensure safety and improve business conditions.
Cua Bac Market is located on a prime location in the center of Vinh city, adjacent to Le Loi street, near Quang Trung street and old Vinh Bus Station - an area with high population density, traffic and commercial activities.
