Wednesday, April 30, 2008 City to pursue dev't of public market
NOTWITHSTANDING the pending injunction on the development of the market, the Baguio City Government will pursue improvements especially in the sari-sari section where a fire took place a few weeks earlier.
The development of the market is part of the projects up for funding in the city's supplemental budget, revealed Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas. Around P160 million will be allotted for the purpose.
Although almost the entire market is covered by the injunction, Fariñas said there are areas, which are not covered by the prohibition, and this is where the city intends to develop.
"The April 11 fire was an eye-opener," Fariñas said even as he remains hopeful the court would soon lift the injunction.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also recommended rehabilitation of the market to avoid the risks of another fire.
The vice mayor said development should be done in the entire market, not on select areas only as planned.
The city is pushing for the development of the market to stop illegal subleasing of stalls, impose zoning as well as to improve the drainage system, which oftentimes get clogged because of the irresponsible use of the drainage system there. (RO/GJ)
