Thanks to intervention measures promoted by the Asunción City Hall, vendors and tenants of the municipal markets have begun settling their overdue taxes and fees. This demonstrates that the city authorities' message, which emphasizes transparency and shared growth, is being positively received by the vendors.
Alejandro Buzó, Director of Local Markets, emphasized, "People who thought they could never repay their debts are now starting to make installment payments. This is proof that the message of transparency is being delivered, and we will guard the public's trust with great responsibility." He affirmed that there would be no undue collections and that the necessary conditions for market vendors to operate normally would be guaranteed. He added, "We want to convey to all citizens, especially the vendors, that there will be no undue collections. We will protect the vendors."
Currently, the inspection team, along with internal auditors, is analyzing documents corresponding to administrative deadlines to verify that stated income amounts match the responsible parties. Preliminary results are expected around the end of July.
In addition to settling delinquent debts, these intervention measures include various improvements in physical, organizational, and security aspects. Particularly for Mercado 4, efforts are underway in cleaning, structural maintenance, and collaboration with entities such as the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) and the Public Works and Sanitary Services Company (Essap). This aims to improve the market's basic infrastructure and create a safer and more pleasant environment.
The city is also collaborating with vendor associations to promote pilot projects for themed fairs, pedestrian street creation, and nighttime market operations. Director Buzó stated, "We want to encourage more people to come to the market. We want to offer not just an economic or commercial experience, but also a cultural one." The participation of the private sector is also being considered for these initiatives.
In terms of security, Director Buzó announced that Mercado 4 would be one of the priority areas for camera system expansion starting in 2026. This will be carried out with the support of experts from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Furthermore, the installation of a police base within the market is planned to prevent crime and enhance the safety of vendors and customers. The primary goal is not merely to crack down on crime, but to provide a sense of psychological security to everyone visiting the market.
Director Buzó explained that these measures are not limited to Mercado 4 but will be extended to other municipal markets, including Local Markets 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9. Simultaneously, a census of officials in the Market Administration Department is underway, and its results are expected to be released in a few days.
Director Buzó stated that he would be "continuously present on site" daily to carry out his duties and urged direct reporting of any irregularities, such as individuals impersonating officials and demanding undue payments. He sternly stated, "We will not tolerate any kind of misconduct during this period. We will be ruthless about it."
Finally, Director Buzó emphasized that settling one's tax situation is not merely a legal obligation but an investment. He noted, "It's not just tax evasion on the part of the City Hall. There's also tax evasion on the other side. Settling means moving out of an illegal state, and we are discussing this with people every day." This suggests that by paying their rightful taxes, vendors contribute to improving the market environment, which in turn can positively impact their business activities. It is crucial to instill the understanding that tax payments lead to the overall development and prosperity of the market.
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