The proposal of the original proponent for the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super” will be subjected to a Swiss challenge.

This, after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) unanimously approved on Tuesday, June 28, a resolution approving the tender documents for the lease agreement for the redevelopment of the city’s two biggest markets and the issuance of the same documents to interested bidders for the project.

The City Council also approved a separate resolution authorizing Mayor Jerry Treñas to enter into and sign a Lease Agreement with the prospective proponent having the best responsive proposal for the said project.

“Tama ka ginansya diri ang aton syudad. Una bes, ang super kag central markets mangin moderno nga balaligyaan parehos ka mga mall nga naglapta na subong sa syudad. And they will be built without cost to the city,” said Councilor Ely Estante.

“Bisan singko nga sentimos nga bingkong indi maggasto ang syudad,” the chairman of the Committee on Market and slaughterhouse and Committee on Infrastructure went on.

Estante’s committee conducted a hearing on June 27 to tackle the two resolutions.

The original proponent of the project, which will be undertaken through a Public Private partnership (PPP), is SM Prime Holding Inc.

Just recently, the city government through its PPP Selection Committee has successfully negotiated with the property developer for the project.

Estante stressed that the redevelopment of the two markets is long overdue and was not realized due to the lack of funds.

“The opportunity for this dream to redevelop the two markets has arrived,’ he said.

Estante said the project will undoubtedly generate employment, create more businesses and income-generating opportunities, and revive the city’s economy.

“Ang linibo naton nga mga vendors sa super kag central market ginpasiguro man nga indi mapahalin. Ang syudad mismo ang magahatag proteksyon kag magadumala sa ila padayon nga negosyo,” he assured.

The PPP contract has a 25-year validity, afterwhich the ownership of the markets will be returned to the city and subjectd to the renewal of lease of agreement.IMT