Quoc Oai District authorities on October 30 helped Phu Market vendors relocate to a temporary market site to ensure their safety and the convenience of shoppers.

Local officials and volunteers are helping the vendors at Phu Market to clear out their stalls. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Vendors will move their business to a temporary market set up in DG06 block, 300 meters away from the current market. After today (October 31), the district will cut off electricity and water and officially close Phu Market to make way for reconstruction.

"I appreciate that the district helps us move quickly to the temporary market, and it's all free," said Bui Thi Ngan, a fabric vendor.

The district will make every effort to make the vendors' relocation to the temporary market as safe and convenient as possible, said Pham Quang Tuan, Deputy Chairman of the district People's Committee.

The temporary market, set up on approximately 8,000 square meters, is conveniently accessible. It has been fully prepared with leveled ground, a management office, sanitation facilities, stall markings and concrete pathways. Vendors' stalls have been set up with steel frames and electricity meters have been registered.

While merchants are responsible for the cost of roofing their stalls, they only pay for electricity and water. The district waived all rental fees for the temporary market space for the duration of Phu Market's rehabilitation.

"The district will give priority to vendors who have contracts with Phu Market to continue renting kiosks when the new market opens," Chairman Tuan said.

To date, 252 vendors have registered for the temporary market. Of these, 170 vendors have their stalls assigned and 120 others have fully set up their kiosks in the new location.

The temporary market is expected to operate for about 24 months, from November 2024 to November 2026. The renovation and upgrading of Phu Market will start in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a total investment of nearly VND65 billion (US$2.6 million).

The new Phu Market will be built on an area of over 7,700 square meters, with a wet market area of nearly 3,000 square meters, outdoor stalls, and various infrastructure and technical facilities. Key amenities will include a fire protection system, sanitary facilities, a water supply tank, a 48 square meter pumping station, parking areas, garbage collection areas, and other technical infrastructure.

The new market, which is designed to include 335 indoor stalls and 80 outdoor stalls, is expected to be completed and operational by 2026.