300 kiosks face demolition

300 kiosks face demolition

AMBON, Maluku: Some 300 makeshift kiosk owners are worried
they will lose their livelihoods because authorities have
threatened to demolish their shops.

None of the new kiosks in the Batu Merah shopping complex have
building permits, Antara reported yesterday.

Most owners were previously street vendors forced out of
Mardika shopping center by the authorities early this month. They
said they spent about Rp 100,000 (US$45) for a kiosk.

Mayor Christ Tanasale promised the kiosk owners a new site
near the present site. He urged owners to be prepared to demolish
their own kiosks before moving to the new site that should be
ready early next month.

The kiosk owners told the mayor that a local municipality
official had given them permits to do business at their present
site.

The mayor said he would look into the matter. (08)