The market complex of Cuttack Development Authority at Buxi Bazar is in a shambles. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Dec. 10: Resentment is brewing among traders over lack of basic facilities in the market complex at Buxi Bazar.

It is now over eight years that the Cuttack Development Authority is yet to take steps to develop the complex, which has failed to draw consumers.

Sources said the authority had built the market to rehabilitate street vendors engaged in sale of chicken and other poultry products at Buxi Bazar. Though around 70 shops were built, only 15 shops have been allotted to traders in the complex, while no other vendors are willing to set up their business here.

“Consumers are reluctant to visit the market due to lack of some basic facilities in form of parking, electricity and water supply,” said trader Seikh Rashid.

Rashid said the complex was set up in 2005, and nearly 15 traders were allotted shops after payment of Rs 95,000 for each commercial unit. However, the authority has recently asked the traders to pay another Rs 27,000 for maintenance. The traders have refused to pay the maintenance fee till the authority carries out the necessary developments in the larger interest of the traders.

“We have already paid the requisite money for the shops. But, without making the necessary arrangements such as electricity and water supply, the authority has again asked us to pay the maintenance fee. It’s totally unjustified,” said secretary of the CDA market complex Narendra Swain.

Swain said no consumer was willing to come to the market owing to its dismal sanitation and bad road condition.

Though the traders are monthly paying Rs 1,000 to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation for collection of solid waste generated from the market, the overall sanitation is yet to improve at the commercial centre.

“Encroachment is another major problem as a lot of roadside vendors are doing business near the complex. As a result, no consumer is willing to come to the market,” said Seikh Babu, another trader.

On the other hand, an official of the development authority said steps were being taken to develop the complex.

“We have already invited tenders for construction and repair of the road for Rs 15 lakh and the work is likely to begin in a couple of months,” said vice-chairman of the authority Pratap Das. Das said that of 70 shops, only 15 had been allotted to various individual traders. A review will be done and auction will be held for the remaining shops, so that the market functions smoothly at the earliest.