ILOILO City – The city government has moved swiftly to address the water leakage incident at the newly-rehabilitated Iloilo Central Market that occurred on January 2, following heavy rainfall, assuring vendors of repairs, reimbursements, and preventive measures.
Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) head Maricel Mabaquiao checked affected vendors, assessed the damage, and explained the city’s response.
She said vendors will not shoulder any losses caused by the incident.
“We personally went to the vendors to assure them that they will not be left on their own. The contractor will refund or reimburse all wet and damaged products. All damages will be charged to the contractor,” Mabaquiao said.
Initial assessment showed that the market’s drainage system was clogged, causing rainwater to accumulate and build pressure beneath floor tiles. This pressure resulted in the breaking of tiles and allowed water to seep into several stalls, particularly near the entrance, rice section, and eatery area.
“Because of the heavy rain, the drainage could not accommodate the volume of water. Pressure built up under the tiled floor, causing them to break and allowing water to enter the market,” Mabaquiao explained.
The drainage system was designed to collect rainwater in a rainwater tank, which is supposed to release water through pumps once full. However, because the drainage line was clogged, water had no outlet, sadi Mabaquiao.
“Once the drainage was blocked, the rainwater tank overflowed, and the pressure underneath the flooring caused the damage,” she said, describing the incident as a result of extreme weather conditions.
The damaged tiles have already been replaced, and the contractor committed to providing a 100-percent refund to affected vendors after the completion of an investigation report.
To prevent a recurrence, a joint inspection and full site assessment will be conducted.
Plans to declog and further improve the drainage system are already underway.
Mabaquiao also noted that the Iloilo Central Market, which had its soft opening in November last year, remains under a six-month warranty. The contractor is required to repair partial damage within six months and more extensive damage within 12 months if any portion of the market becomes untenantable.
“Our priority is the safety of the public and the protection of our vendors’ livelihood. We will make sure the necessary corrective measures are completed,” Mabaquiao said./PN
