THE Baguio City Market Authority (BCMA) agreed on the strict enforcement of the market, tax and investment code and other city ordinances to instill discipline and order within the public market.
The BCMA met last week with Mayor Mauricio Domogan and council committee chair on Market, Trade and Commerce Elaine Sembrano to thresh out market concerns.
Among these are supervised visits to verify alleged extensions in market stalls, continued operation of illegal stalls, and conversion of spaces without permission from market authorities.
Domogan said that private establishments within the market area, which are being leased out will undergo thorough investigation.
These stalls should comply with the zoning code, as some are reported dealing with food products in a dry goods section.
Other stalls are reportedly merged, or divided into several smaller sections and subleased.
Domogan pointed out that if confirmed, these could be deemed closed and bided out to interested and qualified individuals.
Passageways for market goers should be clear and free from goods, Domogan said.
Inspection and investigation were also set for businessmen applying for additional line of business, and conversion of area to a different use, particularly at the Slaughterhouse area.
Domogan reiterated that without basic living utilities, the place could not be converted into a residential area as requested.
Market stalls bided out last year should now be occupied by rightful leases, he added.
As to date, 18 vendor-applicants for transfer of leasehold rights have been approved, with 10 of them denied. The 18 have satisfactorily complied with all the requirements.
A covered walkway for market blocks 3 and 4 is also planned for the convenience of market goers and an extension of the Harrison night market at the Ganza parking lot and Melvin Jones is also envisioned. (Julie Fianza)