Vegetable vendors protest for renovated market in Cox Town
The vendors were then allocated a temporary space with the promise that the original market would be demolished and reconstructed in six months. However, no effort has been taken ever since.
Vegetable vendors in Cox Town staged a protest on Monday demanding a renovated market which had been promised to them 10 years ago.
They were then allocated a temporary space with the promise that the original market would be demolished and reconstructed in six months. However, no effort has been taken ever since.
“We are facing many problems because of lack of basic facilities,” said Anand KS of Best Vegetables Traders.
For instance, the limited shop space has forced the staff to spread their wares onto the footpath blocking pedestrians’ progress and slowing traffic.
Other shop owners too have similar grouses. “There is not a single lavatory here. Water supply is another big problem. There is not even a roof above the shop. Basic facilities are missing and nothing is being done,” said Zamrud Abdul Khadar, who owns Quality Mutton Store. “We have been demanding a new market but we are told that there is paucity of funds,” he added.
Secretary of the Sarvagnanagar (Cox Town) Citizens Forum, AJ Padmanabhan, said the original market is going to house the BBMP engineers’ office, health office and tax office. The current tax office located close-by will be demolished to give room for the new market.
“When we met the BBMP officials on January 3, we were told electrical work will be completed for the new building within a month after which construction of the market will take place at the allocated spot,” said Padmanabhan.
“However, no electrical work has begun so far. When will the market be constructed? We are being made to run round in circles. This is driving us mad,” said Chandrika Raja, a member of the forum.