Traders have voiced mixed feelings about the temporary Almirante Lacerda Market in Rua Marginal do Lam Mau which will stand in for the Red Market which is being renovated over the coming two years.
Fresh Fish Merchants’ Association President Kuan Wai Meng said that compared to the Red Market, the temporary market is cleaner, with better air quality, wider passageways, and larger stall areas, which optimises the business environment.
Kuan underlined that he has spent MOP 20,000 to 30,000 on his stall’s relocation, including replacing the fish tanks and air conditioners in line with the size of the new stalls. Kuan said that he expected a food court to be set up in the temporary market and in the Red Market after its renovation to increase foot traffic.
Macau Fresh Meat Merchants’ Association-Iong Hap Tong President Che Su Peng said that it was hard to predict the future operation of the temporary market, and that it would take time for residents to get used to it.
Che said he worried there will be competition with the new Patane Market, known colloquially as “Water Market”. However, Che added that competition might also lead to an improvement in the services. Che also said he had expected that there would have been more parking spaces reserved for the temporary market for the convenience of customers.
At the two-storey temporary market, fish, tofu and sprouts will be sold on the ground floor, while vegetables, fresh meat, and chilled meat can be found upstairs. Groceries are sold on both floors.
In total, 124 stalls have been relocated; the respective equipment was installed yesterday. Free shuttle buses between the Avenida de Horta e Costa area and the temporary market begin operating today.
Renovation of the heritage-listed Red Market is expected to take 657 days and is due to start in earnest in May, The Macau Post Daily reported.
