About 100 people selling at the Central Market Tuesday protested against the reconstruction works that will start at the market on May 25 in front of the Chisinau City Hall. They said they are forced to free the stalls and will thus remain without workplaces, IPN reports.

A protester said that a shopping center will be built in the place where they sell metalwork and the authorities offer them other stalls, but those stalks are already occupied. “If they want to build something, we urge them to make a roof and tables and bring things there in order as in other sectors. There are many shops in the market, but the people continue to sell outside because not many persons go into the stores and the rent there is higher,” he stated.

Another protester said that the rent at the shops built on the market’s territory is high. “Only 50 persons will be able to work in the place they intend to build, while the rest will remain without occupation,” he added.

Contacted by IPN, acting director of the municipal company “Piata Centrala” (“Central Market”) Veaceslav Balan said the people will free the places for a period of 3-4 months, while the reconstruction works will be carried out, and will then be able to return. “We will reconstruct a portion of the handicrafts sector that is in a very bad state. We also want to set up places for persons who sell dairy products on the street and will possibly build a meat hall,” he stated.

He also said that there are 170 free places in the market, to which the traders who will remain without selling places for the period of the reconstruction works can move. The rent will not be increased.