Contrary to published reports the G 9 Bazaar had not shifted on Friday to the new location in H-9 sector. Nicknamed as the largest departmental stores in the poor man's sector of the capital, the G 9 Bazaar, is still at the old place, near the Peshawar Morre.
The Bazaar site, now splint in two portions, with 8-10 feet chasm dividing them, one side is close to the G-9 sector and the other faces G-8. The G-9 side is for provisions and vegetable, with an odd shop or two, hawking bakery items and hosiery goods.
The G-8 side is for fruits, people have to walk to the bus stand to cross over, only to find that each item is priced two rupees above the usual discount rate, but the goods were of low quality. There is a divided opinion on shifting the Bazaar. Some people living on the G-9 side think shifting would be good, because the present location was despoiling their property, with dirt and noise pollution. Many others disagree with this notion.
Hearing reports of inauguration, this reporter visited the new site, and found the place less than finished, despite the tin roof and finished mezzanine floor. The four gates were unfinished, but grill partition of stalls were still being worked out. The dirt metalled approach road had not even been touched, and there was puddles and slush in front of the new property.
Here we came across Nasir, welding iron partitions. How long would it take to complete? 'Six months,' he replied. Azeem, managing director of the contracting firm, assigned the job, who was present at the site, said the CDA wanted it delivered by February, but it might take more time.
However, CDA director in-charge, Mustafain Kazmi, is certain the market would start next month. He said on Thursday that Chairman Kamran Lashari hosted a reception for the stall holders and probably this has led to the wrong report that the market has been opened. That is also the impression of the stall holders. 'We will be selling there after Eidul Azha,' they answered.
At the site we found Nasir, who said he lived in G 9 area. It was easy for me to walk across G-9 Bazaar and purchase odds and ends. Now we must come here. A facility meant for the poor man had been shifted to make roads for autos of the elites and moneyed class, he said.