The improvement of the night market operation on Colon St. is among the provisions of the executive order earlier issued by Mayor Michael Rama. However, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) says the EO is an invalid exercise of police power amounting to “confiscation in the guise of regulation” since Colon St. is owned by the national government.
(CDN File Photo)
THE Cebu City government has temporarily stopped the dry-run for the night market on Colon Street.
De facto city administrator Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez said the city is not yet ready for it.
“We are not yet ready for it as of the moment. Ang dry-run nagpakita nga naa tay daghan nga problema (The dry-run shows that we have many problems),” Fernandez said.
Based on their recent meetings, closing Colon street will lead to traffic congestion. Fernandez said the street cannot be used as host of the night market as it is a main thoroughfare.
However, Fernandez said they are open for proposals from the vendors so they can continue to operate. Once they receive proposals from the different groups of vendors, they will review it together with the Cebu City Traffic Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other city hall staff.
If the night market operates again, Fernandez said someone should be assigned to take charge of the whole operation, traders should be disciplined and only those qualified vendors are allowed to trade. Fernandez said if these conditions are met, then there is a possibility that the night market will be done on a regular basis.