Dept store opposed

Dept store opposed

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The planned demolition of an old fish
market to make way for a modern department store has raised
concern among local people who fear that the new establishment
might threaten their livelihoods, Antara reported yesterday.

The controversial plan has prompted the provincial legislature
to question local authorities on existing housing regulations
which forbid the local people from rebuilding the market on the
grounds that the market site bears historical interest.

Councilor Zulkarnaen Malik said that the government should
revise the mayoralty ruling on building renovation so that the
local residents, whose renovation plan had been rejected earlier,
could enjoy fair treatment.

Locals said they were afraid that the planned luxurious
department store could terminate their sources of income.

A number of councilors also questioned why the provincial
government allowed PT Gunung Karya Harapan Sentosa to build on
the historical spot.(03)