The vending zone at Koel Nagar Market in Rourkela yet to be operational. Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal

Rourkela, Sept. 6: A vending zone, which was inaugurated by the municipality at Koel Nagar here more than a year ago, is yet to be completed.

Traders alleged that the Rourkela Municipality had not taken any step to allot shops to them, while civic officials said lighting, drainage and road construction works remains to be done.

President of Koel Nagar Market T.K. Sahoo said the vending zone was inaugurated on August 31 last year. Squatters were also evicted to make way for the construction of the complex. But, vendors are yet to get their shops.

“Many of us have deposited money for a shop at the vending zone. But, now it has become a haven for goons,” he said.

Sumit Kar, a local trader, said, the vending zone was supposed to have more than 50 shops. Rourkela Municipality vice-chairperson and local councillor R.N. Mishra said they would shortly announce a list of the allottees.

Chairperson of Rourkela Municipality Rashmibala Mishra said: “The number of claimants was much more than the number of shops. We are waiting for more shops to be constructed. ”