T’puram: The ongoing rehabilitation of traders to a temporary prefabricated facilities as part of Palayam Connemara market redevelopment project is likely to undergo modifications after the assembly elections, following complaints from a section of traders regarding the design and usability of the interim structures.Several traders have approached the corporation’s governing council, alleging that the temporary facilities constructed to house them during the redevelopment phase are ‘unscientific’ and uncomfortable for daily business operations. They have also submitted a series of suggestions seeking changes in layout, ventilation, accessibility and space allocation. Mayor V V Rajesh acknowledged the concerns and said a detailed inspection would be carried out soon after the elections. “We have taken note of the issues raised by a section of traders. Along with the corporation’s engineering team, I will visit the site after the elections. Based on their assessment, we will take an appropriate decision,” he said. Rajesh added that the engineering division has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive report following the site visit. “If the report confirms the shortcomings pointed out by the traders, the corporation will initiate necessary modifications after drawing up a proper plan. We are committed to ensuring that the traders are not inconvenienced during the transition period,” he said. The rehabilitation to temporary facilities is a key component of the ambitious Palayam market redevelopment project, which aims to transform the decades-old marketplace into a modern, multistorey commercial complex in the city. The construction works officially commenced in Nov last year. The contract for the new five-storey structure has been awarded to Hyderabad-based Sri Avantika Contractors (India) Ltd. The firm has committed to completing the project within nine months at an estimated cost of Rs 71 crore. Once completed, the upgraded market is expected to significantly enhance infrastructure, hygiene standards and overall shopping experience. Meanwhile, officials associated with Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), under whose ambit the project is being implemented, said they have not received any formal complaints so far regarding temporary rehabilitation facilities. “If the corporation receives representations and forwards them to us, appropriate action can be considered based on the merits of the concerns raised,” an SCTL official said. The redevelopment of Palayam market is envisioned to decongest the area and provide modern amenities to both traders and customers. However, the success of the project also hinges on effectively addressing the concerns of the trading community during the interim phase.
