QC gov’t shutting 8 markets due to poor sanitation

SHAPE UP OR CLOSE SHOP The present state of Balintawak Market is hardly enticing to shoppers, that’s why it is included among the eight privately owned markets facing closure in Quezon City for being unsanitary and posing fire hazards. Lyn Rillon

THE QUEZON City government has given affected vendors a week to prepare for the impending closure of eight privately owned markets in the Balintawak area, which have been found in violation of sanitation and safety regulations.

The market operators were earlier told to upgrade their facilities in accordance with the development plan for Balintawak-Muñoz, which has been identified as a growth area for the city, according to Mayor Herbert Bautista.

But the operators had “shown no interest” in making improvements, prompting City Hall to conduct an interdepartment inspection on Thursday “to call their attention,” said Marilou Arrieta, officer in charge of the local government’s Market Development and Administration Department.

Due to their noncompliance with sanitation, waste management, fire safety and other related ordinances, these operators had not been given business permits since last year.

“The bottom line is that they really have to develop the area. If they want to continue operating as a market, they have to follow the standards. And you need time to do that,” Arrieta said.

“As the mayor explained, the development plan is now being implemented,” she said, citing the projects of the Metro Manila Skyway System and the Manila North Tollways Corp., as well as Ayala Corp.’s Cloverleaf estate.

The eight markets in Balintawak marked for closure are Pilson’s Market, Balintawak Cloverleaf, Riverview 1, Riverview 2, North Diversion Market, MGP Market, MC Market, and Juliana Wet and Dry Market.

They have a total of around 300 registered vendors, Arrieta said.

The displaced vendors may be accommodated in eight city-owned and operated public markets: Galas, San Jose, Kamuning, Roxas, Frisco, Project 4, Project 2 and Murphy.

Regina Samson, head of the city’s Communications Coordination Center, said the local government could help the operators form a cooperative if they have no capacity to redevelop their facility.

“The [local government] itself can invest to help them upgrade and will provide templates for needed market standards and facilities,” Samson said, adding that the vision was to enhance Balintawak’s position as a regional distribution hub for agricultural produce from the provinces.

Bautista had also blamed the recurring flash floods, particularly along Araneta Avenue, on the garbage generated by the Balintawak markets and left to clog drainage systems. Erika Sauler, With a report from Radyo Inquirer