BUSINESSMAN James Fang has struck a deal with vendors at the Fishing village market yesterday, which will see a new market built and have all vendors relocated to it.
This came a day after reports that Mr Fang had over the past few weeks forced all vendors to vacate the area as construction on his company’s new shopping complex takes shape.
It was also claimed that on occasions, Mr Fang had used locals to threaten vendors to clear off the area to allow construction work to commence and also potential suitors wishing to rent his new complex to freely come into the area without any interferences from vendors.
This caused anger amongst vendors who called on Mr Fang to provide them with a new venue to sell their produces if he wants them to leave the place
It also sparked a peaceful protest by the vendors, who visited Mr Fang in China Town yesterday to express their concerns regarding the matter.
The issue was however settled after both parties come to an agreement that would see Mr Fang prepare the new market venue for vendors before they vacate their current marketing space.
“We have finally reached the point where we agreed that vendors will continue using the area as their market ground until such a time when the new market vicinity is completed,” Mr Fang told the Solomon Star.
“I have called on the vendors to provide me with a supporting letter which would help push through our application to erect the new market venue just behind the new shopping complex, at the seafront,” he said.
He also clarified that having been brought up in the Solomon Islands as a teenager, he understands the lives and day to day struggles of people who are not employed and use marketing local produces to earn income to support their families.
“At no time did I try to chase people out from the market area. Also at no time did I demand money or threaten anyone to vacate the area.
“What we had initially agreed on was for the market to be moved to the seafront area to avoid interferences with my business, things such as traffic and overcrowding and even blocking the entrance to my business.
“Therefore I agreed to help build the new market venue in order to help the people,” Mr Fang said.
He added that he had already seen the Honiara City Council regarding the matter and is now just waiting for feedback to their application.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the vendors, Mambo Fangaria thanked Mr Fang for his understanding to come up with such arrangements which, he said will be for the betterment of all.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
