As a trader who has been associated with Tan An market (Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city) for nearly 20 years, Mr. Huynh Anh Phuong (41 years old) said that the purchasing power at this market is currently decreasing by about 70%, making many traders frustrated.
“Before, I sold about 200kg of pork per day, but now I only sell about 80kg. It's worth mentioning that sales are slow and the price is not good either,” Mr. Phuong shook his head and said.
This trader said that pork is an essential commodity, but its consumption has decreased significantly, and sales are slowing down every day. Meanwhile, employee salaries, fees, taxes, etc. must still be maintained, causing him to lose money.
As for retailer Nguyen Thi Hue Huong, if before she only sold 100kg of fruit from morning to noon, now she can sell all day without running out. "Only on the 15th or 1st of the month do regular customers come to buy fruit for offerings, otherwise sales are very slow," said Ms. Huong.
Surveying around Tan An market, many traders are in the same situation, complaining about slow business and just sitting and waiting for customers.
According to local traders, the reason for the sluggish business is not only due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but over the years, the road leading to Tan An market has been damaged and seriously degraded.
“This road is very dirty and muddy, so people do not dare to go to the market. Many people have even gone to the market but found the road slippery and full of puddles, so they were afraid to stop their vehicles to buy,” Ms. Huong explained.
For about a month now, the road has been under construction for repair and upgrading. According to the reporter, workers are currently rushing to construct the sewer section, however, due to the high traffic density and heavy trade on the road, the construction is facing many difficulties.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Nguyen Minh Hieu - Technical Officer of Tuan Hien Company (project construction unit) - informed that the Project to Upgrade Hai Ba Trung Street (section from Guest House No. 2 to Phan Dinh Phung Street) and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street started on September 9 and is expected to be completed in 230 days.
During the construction process, due to the high density of Tan An market area, especially during the rainy season and high tides, the construction of the unit's drainage system encountered many difficulties.
"The construction unit will try to quickly complete the project early, especially the section leading to Tan An market to avoid affecting people's trading activities," said Mr. Hieu.
