Traders build stalls at temporary site

BOGOR, West Java (JP): Traders from the Kebon Kembang market that burned down last March are now setting up temporary stalls around the former market site.

Traders yesterday began to change the wooden planks covering the stall floors and walls to ceramic flooring and concrete walls.

"I want my stall to look nice and neat," said 32-year-old Ahmad, who sells ceramics.

Another trader who sells sandals and shoes, Yadi, said he is upgrading his stall for reasons of security. The original four- square-meter stalls had only zinc sheets for roofing.

The fire last March killed at least ten Ramayana department store employees and destroyed the kiosks of nearly 1,000 traders.

The mayoralty has provided 2,131 temporary stalls. Mayor Eddy Gunardi stated that government officials caught asking for money from traders will be reprimanded.

The mayoralty's spokesman, M. Basit, said the renovation of the stalls was not a problem.

"The traders are welcome to add to the stalls for their comfort and safety," he said.

The temporary stalls will be cleared when the renovated market is ready, he added.

Many of the temporary stalls are still empty.

A sticker on each stall says that if the stalls are not used within a month from the last site lottery, the owners will no longer be entitled to use them. The last lottery was held on May 30. (21/anr)