No funds yet for rehabilitation of Central Market
The city government only got P1,250,000 of the total amount pledged by Senator Mar Roxas for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo Central Market.
This was clarified by City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday after some market vendors questioned where the money went.
The senator earlier pledged P2.5 million from his Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) for the rehabilitation of the market during his visit to the place years back.
Treñas said the initial amount was spent for the rehabilitation of the roofing facilities at the Meat Section of the market.
The budget was funneled to the city's coffers and immediately was spent for the rehabilitation of the market, the mayor said.
The roof at the meat and pork section of the Iloilo Central Market used to be dilapidated. When rain comes, the water pours on the stalls. Some of the owners even spent for the construction of a roof near their stall to protect them from the rain.
He added that he does not know when will the senator release the remaining amount he promised before the vendors. Treñas said it is good if the senator will release the additional fund for the rehabilitation of the central market the soonest time possible.
Decades ago, the Iloilo Central Market was constructed under the Regional Cities Development Projects. It is one of the projects included in a loan package. Since then, the market did not undergo a major rehabilitation unlike the Iloilo Terminal Market where it was reconstructed.
The mayor added that the city needs at least P20 million for the renovation of the Iloilo Central Market. Currently, it is one of the problematic markets in the city. Aside from the torn roofs, it has poor drainage and water supply system.