NO sidewalk vendors will be allowed to display their wares from the JR Borja main road to the JR Borja extension starting this week, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy confirmed today.
“I hope that they (sidewalk vendors) will understand that after my meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 8 ) with the (City Economic Enterprises Department), (Roads and Traffic Administration), and city police, I won’t allow any sidewalk vendor to display their wares from JR Borja main road to JR Borja Extension. (Again) I apologize to them and ask for their understanding,” Mayor Uy said in Visayan.
Mayor Uy confirmed his announcement after inspecting the Cogon market area last Saturday with some city councilors, and RTA personnel headed by their chief Engr. Nonito Oclarit, CEED personnel, and the city police.
He said he gave the sidewalk vendors four and a half months to heed his call for their support in easing the traffic congestion in the Cogon market area.
“I understand their need to earn a living and despite my pleas asking them (not to go beyond their designated area) they still persisted. After four and a half months (since I assumed office), they should understand my position (to enforce the traffic laws),” Uy said in Visayan during Monday morning’s flag-raising program. But Mayor Klarex said the sidewalk vendors won’t be barred from the Cogon area.
Based on their inspection last Saturday, Uy said there are vendors, especially the ala carte food sellers who occupied nearly all of the roads in the Cogon market area.
“The sidewalk vendors will be given an area where they (can display and sell their wares) and where it won’t be affected by heavy vehicular traffic. We will give them every opportunity (to earn a living),” Uy said.
With the holidays fast approaching, Uy acknowledged that traffic congestion will be heavy in the Cogon market area.
“I explained and appealed to them (the vendors) that they should not occupy a large portion of the roads to the detriment of the riding public. Clearing the roads is especially important in case of emergencies since the roads are near our fire department,” Uy said in Visayan. (Stephen Capillas of the City Information Office)
