CLEARING of sidewalks, parks and Harrison Road in Baguio City will happen soon.
Councilor Philian Weygan–Allan said the night market and flower stalls will be relocated and he assured that illegal vending will soon be addressed.
“We want to clear sidewalks in Harrison and develop the park for peoples use,” said Allan, who chairs the committee on market, trade, commerce and agriculture.
She said flower stalls in the sidewalk of Harrison Road will be relocated after the inspection of Mayor Benjie Magalong this week.
“We support the relocation of flower stalls in Burnham. We will pass the necessary legislation,” Allan added.
Close to two dozen flower stalls that line Harrison Road were allowed by the City Government to operate. However, this is now under study by the Magalong administration.
A temporary transfer site will be readied for the flowers vendors beside Ganza parking site in the meantime while the city looks for a spot to house the flower vendors, said Allan.
She said the long pending relocation of the night market will be tackled in a meeting with vendors next week.
“At the same time, we also want to address the concern of the night market
at Harrison Road. We will meet vendors on Tuesday, mainly on the issue of their relocation site,” Allan said.
Among the concerns raised with regard to the night market are some violations that include no proper storage for food, food handlers not wearing gloves or hair protection, absence of personal protective equipment, vendors still using plastic, no garbage containers, no washing facilities, no cooking facilities, inadequate lighting, and waste water thrown into plant boxes at the Igorot Park.
At present, almost 1,200 vendors converge at the night market. Of these, 93 vendors are selling food products.
The night market started in 2007 when vendors of ukay-ukay stalls along Calderon Street started selling their wares at night on makeshift tables and pavements.
Allan said the City Engineering Office has a proposal on location and health, as well as on food and cooking.
“I believe food is part of the night market,” Allan said.