Reque merchants protest new market rental hikes

Merchants in the Reque district of Chiclayo, Peru, are protesting proposed rental rates for the new Modelo Market. Local vendors claim the municipality has set fees that are disproportionate to the reality of retail commerce.

According to representatives of the trade guilds, monthly fees for certain stalls are expected to rise significantly. For example, vegetable and fruit tables that previously paid 21 soles per month may face charges of 365 soles. Poultry stalls could see increases from approximately 25 soles to as high as 550 soles for red meat sections. Grocery stalls are also facing a jump from 45 soles to 335 soles.

In response to these proposed costs and requirements for advance guarantee payments, merchants have staged protests by moving from their temporary market to the exterior of the new facility. The local mayor, Manuel Neciosup Rivera, has stated that the stall allocation process is being conducted through a formal contest.