Carbon probe uncovers sanitation concerns

As the probe into alleged excessive collections inside Carbon Market progressed, the Cebu City Council’s recent executive session led to the discovery of rat infested “permanent” stalls erected on sidewalks and drainage lines identified by market officials as belonging to ambulant vendors.

- Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/MRM

The revelation, made during the June 23 executive session, came as councilors were investigating how market associations operate and how collections are being made.

Councilor Joel Garganera presented photos and videos of Unit 1, the wet market area, showing an extended area of the building structure where about 24 stalls had been erected directly atop drainage canals.

“This came to my attention because the Department of Public Services had a hard time cleaning,” Garganera said, pointing to stagnant water that had become a breeding ground for rodents.

Market Administrator Elcon Concha described the vendors as ambulant, but Garganera challenged the classification, noting the structures were permanent.

“Ha? Ambulant vendors? So who owns these?” Garganera asked.

Councilor Jun Alcover added, “I don’t think this is ambulant kay permanente naman ni nga structure.”

Councilor Sisinio Andales also stressed, “Sidewalk is sidewalk for mga tawo,” suggesting demolition of the stalls.