A lasting solution for suffering vendors

BANGALORE: Last month City Express had reported on the pathetic condition of shopkeepers of Cox Town Market who were forced to set up their stalls on the footpath temporarily. However, after the exclusive coverage given by City Express, the concerned authorities  have at last woken up and have started the construction of the market complex from early this month.More than 20 vendors who sell mutton, chicken and fish, vegetables and fruits had set up their temporary stalls on the footpath for the last 5-6 years after the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took over a market area comprising 3000 sq feet to build a BBMP Engineering, Revenue and Health Bhawan, but with a promise to construct a new market complex in an area of 8000 sq feet, where presently the Bhawan is situated.The Bharatinagar Residents’Forum, President N S Ravi said, “I am very happy that our efforts have finally yielded result. We have waited for a market complex for a long time now. I am also thankful to City Express for their extensive coverage.”The shopkeepers were delighted with the initiative undertaken by the BBMP,at last. “Better late than never, we are happy to finally get the much awaited market complex,” says Fareed, a poultry dealer.Voicing a similar opinion, Anand who is a vegetable vendor said, “I hope the new market will increase the flow of customers to our shops which had decreased over the years as they considered our stocks to be unhygenic.” He further added, “There was no place for the customers to stand, the continuous movement of vehicles not only made it difficult for us to do our shopping but also raised serious questions on pedestrian safety. Now, this will definitely  correct all such concerns.” However, the local corporator was unavailable for any comments.