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)