The new fish vending zone that came up at the Connemara market in Palayam sometime ago stands abandoned now, as an example of projects executed without considering the needs of those meant to use it.
The fish vendors at the market have all refused to use the facility, because of its unscientific designing and lack of space. The state of the Shobika Vanitha Vishrama Kendram, a place to rest for women fish vendors, is even worse. Hardly anyone uses it owing to lack of power supply.
Stand and deliver
Around seven years ago, the old fish vending zone was demolished to build the new one. The fish vendors were temporarily shifted to a nearby site. But once the new zone was constructed, the vendors refused to shift. The design of the zone, which requires the vendors to stand to sell fish, was the major downer.
“One who has visited the market at least once will not design such a vending zone. We sit here and sell the fish. The raised platform in the new zone requires us to stand all the time. Also, there is severe lack of space. Not even half of us can be accommodated there. The old fish vending zones need not have been demolished. It was done for the expansion of a road behind the market,” said Mary, a fish vendor.
No place to rest
The Shobika Kendram near the new vending zone was inaugurated in 2014. It was meant as a place for the women fish vendors to relax or take a nap. But, with the women’s self-group running the centre unable to generate enough revenue, not even the power bills have been paid and the KSEB has cut the supply. With a roof made of tin sheets, the heat inside the room is unbearable. Most fish vendors stay away from it.
“We collect ₹10 from the women for using the centre’s amenities, but do not get enough money to even meet our daily expenses. We had taken a loan to pay the Corporation for a five-year contract to run this facility and are struggling to repay it,” said a woman running the centre.
Mayor’s stance
Mayor V.K. Prasanth said that the unscientific construction of the fish vending zone had come to his notice. “We are planning to make changes to it and provide a vending zone suited to the needs of the vendors, as part of the Smart City project,” he said.
