Members of the Carbonhanong Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo held a protest on Wednesday, June 14, to oppose a plan to make the Carbon Night Market vehicle-free.| Contributed photo
The city’s “pedestrianization” plans would prohibit the entry of vehicles at the market complex to allow pedestrians to use the roads instead. “Gibutang usab ang mga vendors sa tunga sa dalan. Buot pasabot, ang kasamtangang Carbon night market gi-disenyo na nga para sa mga naglakaw o retail nga mamalitay. Naghikaw kini sa among mga kustomer nga naay sakyanan nga kasagaran mga komprador/mamakyaway ug dakong bahin sa kita sa mga wholesale vendors gikan kanila,” it added.
At the same time, they were appealing for the suspension of the collection of “arbitrary” fees, including the rental for their use of a 2×2 tent that cost P3,500 to P4,500, and the other payment that are collected to cover the night market’s maintenance and other operating expenses. Sought for comment, Megawide said that Section 7.1 of the JVA allows the city government to continue to take control of market operations.Maria Pino, head of the Cebu City United Vendors Association , said the transfer of the night market vendors to MC Briones Street was decided upon to bring order to market roads.