APPREHENSION over the safety of Kayang Street is being appeased in preparation for the transfer of the night market.
Mixed reactions from the citizenry have risen on the move to transfer the Harrison Road night market to the Kayang area after a still unsolved murder last month has been mounting with city officials explaining plans will go through a process to secure as well as sanitize the area.
“I am aware some political quarters have started to make a spin about this issue. What matters most to me is that a win-win solution be attained. May I emphasize - Harrison is a national road for which the city has no full control, of course, it will pass through the process. Public hearing is a must. And all stakeholders will be part of the entire process, but political will is necessary. It's easier to secure Kayang. The ingress and egress are easier to secure, too. It is close to BCPO. Restrooms are readily available,” Councilor Leandro Yangot said.
In December last year, Imam Bedijim Abdulla, was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen at Kayang Street close to noon, in a brazen murder which has rocked the city.
Last week, Yangot moved for the transfer of the night market to 1st, 2nd and 3rd areas of Kayang Street in a bid to decongest Harrison Road of traffic, under the proposal, operation of the Kayang night market is set at 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. accommodating all present night vendors including walk in’s.
The Harrison night market provides livelihood and employment to about 1,068 night market vendors, the city is earning approximately P1.5 million per month without much capital operating from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
“During the rainy season, it’s easier to install tents. At Harrison Road, it is more difficult to secure as it is open wide...I understand the reaction is mixed...But I want to make things better for the night market vendors. Remember, I originally conceptualized the night market in 2006 when I was acting mayor,” Yangot added.
Mayor Maurico Domogan has backed the proposal but reminded to have security of existing stalls considered if plans will push through and also suggested to use the main market area.
Yangot maintained the market area is ideal for the transfer to the nightly bazar saying around the world, night markets are mostly located at the market area.