In a recent move by Holguín's authorities, two new commercial boulevards have been established to accommodate vendors from Los Chinos, an informal market that was shut down weeks ago due to alleged issues of unsanitary conditions and disorder.
The local government claims this initiative is aimed at enhancing organization, hygiene, and safety in areas that have long operated outside official channels.
These new boulevards are located in Pueblo Nuevo, behind the railway terminal, on the site of a former landfill, and in Villa Nueva 2, as reported by the official newspaper ¡Ahora!
According to official statements, both locations offer improved conditions for commercial activities, featuring better organization, more suitable infrastructure, and the potential for solar panel installations.
The launch of these markets comes just days after the eviction of over 350 small businesses, cart vendors, and sellers from Los Chinos, a key food supply hub for the city. Authorities justified this action citing unsanitary conditions, waste accumulation, sewage issues, and violent incidents in the area.
One notable aspect of this new setup is the cost of the kiosks. Greyin Estupiñán Reyes, the municipality's deputy director of construction, confirmed that each kiosk costs approximately 1,600,000 Cuban pesos.
As an incentive, the self-employed individuals benefiting from these kiosks "will receive a one-year exemption from all taxes to help offset their investment," he stated.
This figure partially aligns with estimates that circulated on social media weeks ago when images of the initial kiosks on Calle Cuba emerged. At that time, many questioned if the cost could reach up to 2,000,000 pesos, amid a backdrop of inflation and declining purchasing power.
Authorities assert that the transformation has been positively received by residents in the affected areas. Some locals interviewed by the official press praised the reduction in noise, improved cleanliness, and better conditions for schoolchildren and pedestrians.
Another group of vendors is set to move soon to an area known as El Gran Panel, near the old market. New commercial zones, a public restroom, and weekend sales spaces are being prepared there.
José Francisco Mosqueda, the president of the Lenin Popular Council, shared that most people surveyed in the area support the project, although they demand that prices remain affordable, and that organization and cleanliness are maintained.
The restructuring of Los Chinos comes at a particularly challenging time for food access in Cuba. Earlier this year, the Minister of the Food Industry acknowledged that staples like oil, chicken, and yogurt have not been distributed through the ration book, while recent studies indicate increasing difficulties in ensuring the nutrition of millions of Cubans.
Attending the inauguration were the first secretaries of the Communist Party in the province and municipality, Joel Queipo Ruiz and Osmany Biñals, along with the municipal government president, Rafael Braund Suterland.
Authorities have announced plans to open additional similar spaces in the coming months to complete the commercial reorganization of the area.
Key Aspects of Holguín's Market Transformation
Why were the vendors from Los Chinos relocated?
The relocation was due to claims of unsanitary conditions, waste buildup, sewage issues, and violence in the vicinity of Los Chinos.
What are the benefits of the new commercial boulevards?
The new boulevards provide better organization, improved infrastructure, and the potential for solar panel installations, enhancing the overall commercial environment.
How much does each new kiosk cost?
Each kiosk costs approximately 1,600,000 Cuban pesos.
What incentives are provided to the kiosk vendors?
Vendors are offered a one-year exemption from all taxes to help offset their investment in the kiosks.