Traditional markets gradually revive after floods

*Tra Kieu market traders have reopened their shops. Photo: KH*

In Dai Loc commune, Ai Nghia market and Quang Hue market were two areas heavily affected. Both markets were deeply submerged in floodwaters, goods and stalls were severely damaged.

According to the morning of November 10, many clothing and household goods traders have not been able to reopen due to the large damage. Ms. Le Thi Thao, a trader at Quang Hue market, shared: "The recent flood water rose too quickly, we did not have time to move the goods, many stalls were submerged in water for many days. Now the market is not as bustling as before, but everyone encourages each other to try to clean up so that trading can resume soon."

In Duy Xuyen commune, Tra Kieu market was also one of the markets that was flooded for many days, causing all trading activities to be suspended. The flood water rose high, carrying mud and garbage, causing damage to many stalls and goods of small traders.

Mr. Tran Thinh, Deputy Head of Tra Kieu Market Management Board, said that the market currently has 198 small traders with fixed business contracts and about 40 small, spontaneous traders. The entire market is divided into 4 main areas, of which area A, where stalls selling clothes and household goods are concentrated, is the most heavily flooded.

“In the last days of October, the entire area A was almost submerged in water. The traders did not have time to move their goods, many stalls were submerged in water for 4 consecutive days and were almost completely damaged. By November 10, the traders started to reopen and restore business,” Mr. Thinh shared.

According to Mr. Thinh, despite the huge losses, most small traders have tried to overcome the difficulties and fix the consequences themselves to soon stabilize their businesses. Many households had to borrow money to re-import goods, sell them, and clean and repair their stalls.

“We have noted many suggestions from people about considering reducing taxes or stall rental fees next month to share some of the burden. The market management board has compiled and reported to the Commune People's Committee for consideration and support,” Mr. Thinh added.

After the flood receded, the local government and the Tra Kieu Market Management Board mobilized forces to clean up, disinfect, collect garbage and mud. Despite many difficulties, everyone believed that "as long as the market remains, people remain", with just effort, life in this flooded area will soon return to normal.

Mr. Dang Huu Phuc, Chairman of Duy Xuyen Commune People's Committee, informed that the local government always cares and accompanies small traders during the recovery period after the flood. "If businesses encounter difficulties and have specific petitions, the Commune People's Committee will consider supporting and creating suitable conditions for people to feel secure in trading and restoring their livelihoods," said Mr. Phuc.

*Traders at Nam Phuoc market clean up their goods after a temporary break. Photo: KH*

In Nam Phuoc commune, Nam Phuoc market - a major local wholesale market - was also deeply flooded due to floodwaters combined with hydroelectric dam discharge. Hundreds of stalls were affected, many roads in the market were flooded with mud.

But just a few days after the flood receded, the traders quickly joined the market management team to clean, disinfect and rearrange their stalls. A food vendor at Nam Phuoc market shared: “Seeing their stalls covered in mud, everyone felt sorry. But then people encouraged each other to clean up and restart business. Having a small income is better than leaving the market deserted and losing its source of livelihood.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Dong, Deputy Head of Nam Phuoc Market Management Board, said that the market currently has more than 500 traders. After the flood, the management board mobilized forces to clean up the entire area, spray disinfectant, and assist people in clearing mud and collecting garbage.

“Thanks to the solidarity and joint efforts of the traders, trading activities have now stabilized, prices are basically stable, and goods are abundant. The traders remain positive, and despite the difficulties, no one has abandoned the market,” said Mr. Dong.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cho-truyen-thong-dan-hoi-sinh-sau-mua-lu-3309823.html