Hi-tech market in Madikeri is of no use for traders

Even after several months of the inauguration of the hi-tech market at Madikeri, it has not benefited the traders.

In spite of a huge building right in front of them, the merchants are forced to sell their produce beside the road.

The work on the market has moved at a snail’s pace over a period of time inconveniencing the traders.

In spite of the incomplete work, the market was inaugurated ahead of Assembly elections in a hurry. Hence, even after its inauguration, the market has been of no benefit to the traders.

Traders get grocery and vegetables from Mangaluru, Mysuru, Konanooru, Hassan, Ramanathapura, Channarayapattana, Arakalagoodu and other areas to Madikeri. Without basic facilities, the traders face inconvenience in selling. They are forced to sell the products beside the road bearing scorching sun during summer, and rain and chilly weather during monsoon and winter season.

“The work has not been completed in spite of the market’s inauguration. Further, the quality of work is poor,” alleged traders.

“Customers who come here do not have a drinking water facility nor any toilet. If the situation continues, how will we carry out the business during monsoon,” said representatives of Vyaparigala Hitharakshana Samithi.

The market should be put to use before the onset of monsoon in June, they added.

In the two-storied market, the ground floor is reserved for parking.

The parking space is filled with filth and it has become a shelter for stray cows.

Vyaparigala Hitharakshana Samithi members have demanded a Lokayukta probe into the poor quality of work. The members suspect misuse of funds by the officials and contractors.

Merchant Abdul Razak said, “During the Shandy on Fridays’, business is carried out on both sides of Mahadevapete. The movement of vehicles on the road inconveniences the traders and customers.”