By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego was urged to answer the concerns of vendors and other stakeholders prior to the implementation of the P300 million renovation project of the city’s public market.

City councilors Ryan Gamboa and Max Javelona have abstained from the ratification of the contract between the city government and the government-owned bank for the P300-million loan agreement to be used for renovation.

The councilors said several questions from the city market vendors and stakeholders have not yet been answered by Gallego’s representatives.

According to Gamboa, he sympathizes with the vendors as their livelihood will be affected.

He added that their concerns were valid.

The city councilor said the mayor’s representatives only gave the renovation project plan.

However, the bidding documents necessary for contract ratification were not given to them.

“We want transparency, that is why we are asking for the documents,” Gamboa said.

He added that among the concerns that need answers was the relocation plan for vendors affected by the renovation works on the public market that could take more than two years.

The councilor also pointed out that there is no concrete plan for the relocation of the terminal.

In a letter forwarded to Gallego, city market vendors and stakeholders have requested to postpone the demolition of the public market until the end of the year.

They said the “-ber” months had already begun and they are expecting better sales compared to the previous months.

For his part, Gallego said their concerns were clearly addressed, and the area where the vendors will be relocated has not yet been constructed.

He explained that there is still a banning period for the renovation project and the relocation may be held in November or next year.

The city mayor added that this is only temporary.

Gallego said only a few tenants have complained about the project.

He said the project is for the good of the city residents./DGB, WDJ