DUMAGUETE Market Enterprises has opened night market for ambulant vendors along the parking area fronting Building 2 of the Dumaguete Public Market Area.

According to Engr. Jose Ronnie Fortin, head of the Market Enterprises Department, the move is in response to the complaints of business establishment owners and residents along Pinili Street about the presence of ambulant vendors occupying the streets.

The establishments also complained about the sanitation and traffic congestion along Pinili Street.

Engr. Fortin said Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria has instructed him to meet with the ambulant vendors and find possible ways to solve the problem without taking away their means of livelihood.

There were a total of 125 ambulant vendors that were occupying Pinili streets during night time. It was learned during the meeting that of the 125 ambulant vendors, only 10 are legitimate farmers, 25 of them from Dumaguete while the rest are middlemen from neighboring towns.

Because of this, he said it would not be fitting to organize a farmers market because not all of them are legitimate farmers that they agreed to open the night market for ambulant vendors along the parking fronting building 2 of the Dumaguete Public Market.

Fortin added it would be safer for ambulant vendors to sell there products at night because the place is well lighted and provides a wider space. Also, the comfort room at building one area is open 24 hours, addressing the problem on sanitation.

The night market will open at 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. (PNA)