Part II: The "Forgotten" Market

As we mentioned in the previous issue, despite their clear role and effectiveness, the current infrastructure of local markets is deteriorating and has many shortcomings, mainly stemming from inconsistent and inefficient management and investment, as well as difficulties in securing investment resources.

The Dong Minh seafood market (Tien Hai district) is in a state of serious disrepair, forcing vendors to use tarpaulins as makeshift shelters to conduct their business.

The market is in disrepair.

During our survey of the dilapidated state of markets in the province, when we visited Dong Minh seafood market (Tien Hai district), traders surrounded us to express their frustration at the market's deteriorating condition. The vendors said the market had been expanded and renovated in 2006. After 18 years of operation, many of its infrastructure components have begun to deteriorate. The recent Typhoon No. 3 caused the entire roof of the market building to collapse, and it has not been repaired since. To maintain their business, the traders have to use tarpaulins to protect themselves from the sun and rain. They said that while they can temporarily fix the rain and sun, their biggest worry is that some of the corrugated iron sheets are still stuck, and the steel beams and frames are rusted, corroded, and riddled with holes, potentially collapsing at any moment. Because they need to make a living, they have no choice but to accept the danger and continue trading at the market every day.

Meanwhile, at Pho Market in Duong Hong Thuy commune (Thai Thuy district), the market infrastructure is also rapidly deteriorating due to its nearly 25 years of use and lack of investment in maintenance. 21 meters of the market's perimeter wall have collapsed, the concrete-framed stalls are cracked and broken, exposing rusted steel reinforcement, and the fiber cement roofs are cracked and full of holes. Traders are using packaging, cloth, and plastic sheeting for makeshift coverings, making the already dilapidated market even darker and more unsightly.

Niềm Market in Vũ Ninh commune, Kiến Xương district, is deteriorating, posing safety risks and causing environmental pollution.

Not only Pho Market, but many markets in the province that received investment between 2005 and 2015 are now experiencing infrastructure deterioration, failing to meet the needs of traders and residents. For example, Niem Market in Vu Ninh commune (Kien Xuong district), Vu Thu town market, Thong Market in Hoa Binh commune (Vu Thu district), Vo Hoi Market in Dong Kinh commune (Dong Hung district)... besides damaged kiosks and stalls with broken walls, pillars, beams, and roofs, the market's foundation is currently lower than the surrounding area, causing flooding whenever it rains. The drainage system and sanitation facilities are also inadequate, causing frustration for residents and traders.

What caused this?

There are many reasons for the deterioration of local market infrastructure, the main one being the lack of investment from the local government. Mr. Pham Anh Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Duong Hong Thuy commune (Thai Thuy district), shared: Although markets play a crucial role in promoting the local agricultural economy and contributing to social welfare, investment funds for markets are always limited. The revenue from market fees is insufficient for reinvestment in repairs and upgrades. The limited local budget must prioritize investment in many important and urgent projects such as schools, health stations, roads, sidewalks, and drainage systems in residential areas... After the administrative boundary merger, the commune has three markets, and investing in their renovation and upgrading requires more than 20 billion VND, so the People's Committee of the commune has not been able to allocate the necessary budget.

Currently, state-invested local markets are leased out to organizations and individuals for management and operation. Most market management boards not only neglect infrastructure management but also prioritize maximizing profits, failing to reinvest, and delegating periodic repairs and renovations to local authorities, leading to rapid infrastructure deterioration.

Mr. Pham Hung Vuong, Deputy Head of the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Dong Hung District, said: Besides the ravages of time, one of the reasons for the deterioration of market infrastructure is the lack of improved awareness among traders and consumers regarding market maintenance and preservation. Many traders do not pay attention to hygiene in their selling areas, and consumers litter indiscriminately, affecting the entire market space and environment, and directly impacting the quality of stalls, kiosks, water supply and drainage systems, and sanitation facilities.

Worrying consequences

The deterioration of local market infrastructure is one of the reasons why both traders and residents are less enthusiastic about buying and selling at these markets. Many markets that were once bustling with buyers and sellers are now deserted, failing to function effectively and resulting in wasted investment and land. Naturally, instead of operating in traditional markets, some traders have moved their businesses to the streets, giving rise to makeshift markets and temporary stalls, posing potential traffic safety risks and contributing to environmental pollution.

Due to a lack of management and investment, many markets either lack or have non-functional drainage systems, resulting in low market levels that are frequently flooded. Poor environmental sanitation practices have led to markets becoming sources of environmental pollution and breeding grounds for diseases, especially during the rainy season. Given that markets primarily sell fresh and processed food, the polluted environment raises serious questions about whether food safety and consumer health are being guaranteed.

Mr. Do Phuc Hau, Deputy Head of the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Thai Thuy District

Thai Thuy district has 37 local markets with a total area of ​​nearly 13 hectares. The deterioration of infrastructure and the slow pace of investment in renovation and upgrading due to funding difficulties have led to inefficient market operations and wasted land resources. In particular, the loss of attractiveness to small traders in these markets will affect the circulation of goods, especially essential goods serving the people's lives, and will lead to job losses for thousands of people who are accustomed to and make a living from small-scale trading in the markets. Local markets remain an important traditional trade channel, so mechanisms and policies are needed to provide resources for localities to invest in renovation, upgrading, and maintaining their operation in the future.

Mr. Tran Van Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Minh Commune (Tien Hai District)

Seeing the market in such a dilapidated state is heartbreaking, but the local authorities lack the resources to invest in repairs. The commune's People's Committee only allocates 12 million VND per year to the market management board for market fees, an amount insufficient for reinvesting in the market's infrastructure. Dong Minh is striving to become a type IV urban area, so the market is planned to be developed into a commercial center combined with a local market, with an estimated cost of over 20 billion VND. The locality currently faces a significant and urgent need for public debt of nearly 30 billion VND from rural development projects.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Linh, manager of Dong Minh seafood market (Tien Hai)

Previously, Dong Minh seafood market attracted hundreds of small traders and was planned to become a wholesale seafood market serving the people of Dong Tien Hai district. However, due to the market's dilapidated condition and lack of investment in repairs, coupled with the expansion and modernization of markets in neighboring communes such as Dong Co, Dong Hoang, Dong Long, and Dong Xuyen, many traders have been attracted from Dong Minh seafood market. Currently, the market only has over 50 traders, and with few customers, market fees are insufficient to cover management, sanitation, and local budget contributions.

Khac Duan

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/4/212731/ky-ii-cho-bi-bo-quen