Flea markets 'sprout' all over Vinh streets

(Baonghean.vn) - Currently, there are many illegal markets openly held right on the streets of Vinh. This situation not only poses the risk of traffic accidents and food safety problems, but also tarnishes the image of Vinh city.

In the inner city of Vinh, there are many "toad" markets that are always bustling with buyers and sellers. A typical example of the situation of "turning sidewalks into markets" is Nguyen Du Street, located in Ben Thuy Ward; located next to Vinh University, a student area, the toad market has become a bustling trading place with a full range of meat, fish, vegetables, tubers, and fruits.

This situation not only occupies the sidewalks of pedestrians, but also sometimes causes traffic congestion due to shoppers parking their cars haphazardly on the road. Not to mention shrimp and fish shop owners dumping wastewater all over the road, causing serious environmental pollution.

A flea market encroaches on the sidewalk on Nguyen Du Street (Vinh City). Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Trung Quan, Truong Thi ward, was upset: "At rush hour, pedestrians, students, and people living near this area gather at the flea market, causing chaos and traffic jams to occur frequently, not to mention environmental pollution. I hope the government will take stronger action in dealing with flea markets."

However, according to some residents, they find the flea market convenient because it is close to home, cheaper, and saves time going to the main market. That is also the main reason why the situation of flea markets encroaching on the roadside and sidewalks persists and is difficult to completely eliminate.

Nguyen Trung Ngan Street, leading to Quan Lau Market (Vinh City) has long been a hot spot for encroachment on the sidewalk to turn it into a flea market. Not only does it obstruct traffic, but the encroachment has also created conditions for many dirty food items of unknown origin to be sold openly.

A flea market encroaches on the sidewalk on Nguyen Trung Ngan Street. Photo: Quang An

Ms. Nga - a trader at Quan Lau market said: "We are sitting in the market hall very impatiently. The sellers at the flea market do not have to pay to rent a kiosk, while many people want to get things done quickly so they buy goods in the area outside. We have to pay high fees and lose customers. We really hope that the authorities will be more drastic in clearing the flea market in this area."

In addition, in front of hospital gates such as Nghe An General Hospital, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, on Dao Tan, Dang Thai Mai, National Highway 1A, Quang Trung streets..., flea markets are also quite common. These markets are even busier on full moon days, holidays or Tet. Most buyers stand on the sidewalks and in the street, affecting traffic.

Authorities have repeatedly taken action to deal with the situation but to no avail. It's like "kidnapping and abandoning the dish".

A long-standing flea market on Dao Tan Street, Vinh City. Photo: Thanh Tam.

Talking to us, Mr. Doan Xuan Hung - Captain of the Urban Order Team of Truong Thi Ward said: "The biggest difficulty is that the urban order team members are always on duty during office hours, but people gather outside of these hours, so it is difficult to handle. Besides, the budget to cover overtime for the team members is limited, so we cannot increase the daily duty hours."

Currently, Vinh city is entering a campaign to "take back the sidewalks" and a big question is whether the flea markets can be completely eliminated or not?

» Vinh City: People sign a commitment not to encroach on sidewalks

» Vinh City officially enforces sidewalk clearance from April 15

Quang An - Phuong Thuy - Thanh Tam