2 yrs on, Model Market still awaits inauguration

Rakshapuram: It has been about two years since the completion of the construction of Model Market near Rakshapuram, but its official inauguration is still caught in official apathy. Though businessmen are restrained from starting their business in their allocated shops, they are being made to pay monthly rentals.

The Model Market with a ground plus first floor located in Rakshapuram includes a total of 16 shops of different sizes and was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 67 lakh. All shops have been allotted. Only the open space was available for small hawkers and even that its allotment has been completed. Even after the shops and open space are allotted the market, the market is yet to see the light of the day.

Turns dumping yard

The open space area which was allotted to small hawkers has now turned into a scrap dumping yard, with scrap strewn all over the place. Even the labourers who were present for constructing fencing are aware of this. Nearby residents say that a huge amount has been sanctioned for the market and now the building which has been constructed with much hype still remains closed. "For the last few days, we can see that scrap is being dumped in the open space. It is happening, when none is observing," said a Mohammed Sajid, a resident.

Almost four years have been passed, since the construction of the Model Market was started towards the end of 2015. Foundation was laid on December 15, 2015 by the then Deputy Chief Minister, Mohammed Mahmood Ali, and the construction works were completed in 2017 and since then the model market remains locked.

Pay rent, but don't run business

Most of the shops owners and hawkers who have been allotted a space in market are facing hardships as they can't run their business. "Since the process of allotment of shops was finished, we were given a time to start the market. As some minor works were pending, we waited. Even after the works were completed the market is closed," said Mohammed Amin, who was allotted space for running grocery store.

Speaking on the issue, Riyasathnagar division Corporator Mirza Saleem Baig said that almost all the works of the model market were completed and shops were allotted to the shopkeepers and latter had also been paying rental amount for last two months.

The delay in inauguration is due to shade in top floor and the works of fencing. The works will be completed within 8-10 days and the model market will be inaugurated by the area MLA in few weeks, he added.