KARACHI, Jan 17: As government plans to shift Jodia Bazaar’s main commodity market on Northern Bypass on 60 acres, traders said that the land would not be sufficient for establishing a modern and complete market, equipped with all facilities.

Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) chairman Anis Majeed told Dawn that traders require 500-700 acres but under current circumstances, government should at least provide 500 acres initially.

Traders, he said, are looking forward for a modern market with planning for 100 years.

However, it seems that the government is working on a short-term project.

A modern commodity market requires godowns, small units for cleaning various commodities, office building, truck stand, railway track, banks, hospital, mosque, labour colony, etc.

He said the association had sent its comments to the Sindh governor and the chief minister.

However, the city government is yet to hold a detailed discussion with stakeholders on the issue.

He said hardly any trader, operating at the main food items market for decades, would take the risk of shifting to the outskirts for just opening a shop.

He said the government is planning warehouses away from shops, but it should be constructed nearby. Anis said that of 60 acres, road network would take 33 per cent.

KWGA chief said he had seen the modern commodity markets of Mumbai and Delhi where all facilities are being provided.

He said that the city government has also plans to shift other markets like iron and steel, timber etc., in the total area of 1,495 acres in which the share of commodity market is 60 acres.

President, Karachi Iron and Steel Merchants Association (KISMA), Shamoon Bakar Ali, said he held a meeting with city government officials last week on shifting of iron and steel market.

He added initially in the first phase, 75 acres would be provided for the iron market where commercial area, residential facilities and weighing bridge would be provided.

He said apart from the proposed allotment city government has hinted at giving another huge space in the second phase.