"It is expected that the benefits of a good-quality market can be reaped immediately, particularly in ensuring the distribution of staple goods and promoting the real sector, or MSMEs, thoroughly, all the way to the corners of villages," Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said, according to a statement received here on Thursday.
The renovation is focused on improving the comfort, safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics of the market so that people can trade, Hadimuljono added.
According to the ministry's data, the project will be pursued by the Riau Islands Regional Settlement Infrastructure Office of the ministry's Directorate General of Human Settlements, he said.
The project covers the main buildings in the market, including Blocks A, B, C, and D, and their supporting facilities in their entirety, he added.
The Head of Riau Islands Regional Settlement Infrastructure Office, Fasri Bachmid, disclosed that the project, which has been undertaken at a cost of Rp76.4 billion (US$5.1 million), kicked off in November 2022 and will end in December 2023. The project is being carried out by PT Tiara Multi Teknik and PT Indopenta Bumi Permai.
"Currently, the progress of construction is at 35 percent. With this (renovation), it is expected that the capacity of kiosks available can be improved from 263 units to 308 units, as per the suggestion of 845 slots of vegetables, fish, staple goods, fruits, and clothes vendors," he informed.
A clean and hygienic market will improve goods and service trade, and, in turn, boost the economy of Tanjungpinang City, Bachmid said.
The Tanjungpinang government has also taken part in the renovation process by providing the land and relocating vendors to a temporary site.
A vendor, Dwi, said that for the longest time, he expected the renovation to kick off.
"I commend the government that has built this. Because if this market is good, then many more visitors will come, and it will affect our shops, too," he added.
Related news: Ministry to plant 52,000 trees on IKN toll road corridor
Related news: PUPR minister invites Singaporean businessmen to invest in new capital
Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
