Punjab government has decided to build a model fish market in China Scheme. Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal has directed the local administration to relocate the existing fish market to the new site.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Danish Afzal, on Monday, highlighted that the model fish market having modern infrastructure will be built in China Scheme over an area of 47 kanals.
He held a meeting with fish traders’ representatives and shared the government’s plan about relocation of the market.
He stated that the site for construction of new fish market had been identified and following approval of the provincial cabinet and cooperation of fish traders, development work would be started on priority.
An official of the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC) disclosed that Lahore Development Authority (LDA) land is vacant in China Scheme and the government is planning to build a state-of-the-art fish market on the piece of land.
He highlighted that it is one of the most suitable pieces of land for new fish market since it is very close to a large sewer which is the basic requirement of such markets.
Responding to a question, he said that since the land belongs to the LDA, the government has to seek a no-objection certificate (NOC) or acquire the land from the city developer.
Different proposals are under consideration for development of new fish market but the main objective of the relocation is to improve market infrastructure besides addressing the chronic problem of lack of cleanliness.
The government has decided to develop the model market having tiled surfaces and cold storage facilities. A couple of meetings have already been held for relocation of the fish market and the local administration has already taken different stakeholders on board to make the project sustainable.
Another meeting is scheduled in which proposals will be finalsied and forwarded to the cabinet for approval, an official maintained.
Earlier, the industries minister directed the officials concerned for quick completion of the financial model for the new fish market along with a comprehensive feasibility report. He also instructed the authorities to review proposals to install a chiller system in the new fish market.
He further said it had been decided in principle to relocate fish market from the populated area to China Scheme. He added, “The market will be established with latest business facilities and this relocation will be completed swiftly.”
He further directed officials concerned to submit the fish market relocation plan within a week and remarked that the model of Karachi’s fish market should also be reviewed while preparing the relocation plan.
He also instructed officials that sewerage and other problems of fish market must be solved. He also directed the authorities to make a plan for relocation truck stations out of the city.
Lahore Fish Market General Secretary Rai Muhammad Akhter apprised the minister about sewerage and other problems and requested him to provide a substitute place to relocate the market.
He proposed that fish traders would themselves undertake the construction work.
Earlier, the minister held a meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh and representatives of fish market and officers concerned and informed him about different proposals.
Traders estimate that 150-200 tonnes of fish is traded in the provincial capital’s fish market daily during the peak winter season.
It is the largest freshwater fish market in the country that exports fish and its products to over a dozen countries in the European Union, Africa and the Middle East. Freshwater fish is mostly supplied to Lahore from farms in South Punjab and adjoining districts.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2020.
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