Committee formed to oversee Carbon modernization project

CEBU, Philippines —  An oversight committee was created to oversee the implementation of the P5.5-billion modernization of the Carbon Public Market complex in Cebu City.

The committee is composed of the city government, Megawide Construction Corporation, representatives of Carbon market vendors.

The refurbishing of the 112-year-old carbon market is set to start this month and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Megawide, in a recent committee meeting, assured that no vendors will be displaced once the modernization project starts.

Market Operations Division head Irvin Cabales said the vendors backed the project but they wanted to look into some provisions, such as the rental.

“Sa among mga meeting, duna ray mga concerns ang vendors sa pipila ka provision ug mao na ang giplantsa karon. Sama nianang rentals ug uban pa,” he said.

While the market undergoes renovation, vendors will be transferred to a temporary facility at Carbon market’s Unit 2.

Once operational, the city government will still be the main operator of the Carbon market. The term of the joint venture agreement between Megawide and city government is 50 years.

The rental rates will be determined by the City Council in accordance to the city’s Market Code. The Megawide, on the other hand, will only assist the city government in the operations.

The modernized Carbon market will house a terminal, commercial buildings, ferry terminal, lifestyle village, puso night market, park and Sto. Niño Chapel. — KQD (FREEMAN)