Sidewalk Clearing Operations

In a country where there's lesser job opportunities for unskilled workers, where a lot of people are hungry, where there are dying people because of the inability to buy medicines, being creative and “madiskarte” are requirements in order to survive. But with policies that control the people's ability to create jobs or money-making ventures that aren't totally immoral (hold-upping, snatching), it is easier to die hungry and helpless.

This has been a long issue and this post may appear as a delayed reaction. But a usual walk along the streets in the Metro will make you see vendors running away from the MMDA while carrying their merchandise. This reminds us of the MMDA vs. street vendors struggle.

It is understandable that sidewalks are made for people. Hence, making sure that the area is properly used is just right. However, looking at the effect of the clearing operations to vendors (who get their main source of living from selling merchandises like cigarettes and candies) signals a greater problem.

The government couldn’t afford to provide job opportunities to unskilled workers. Hence, an individual who needs to survive would naturally create means in order to earn money in whatever way possible. These vendors sell on the street simply because there aren’t any opportunities for them to have better jobs. Many are bent to venture into selling different merchandises on the street.

While clearing the sidewalks, the government could think of possible alternatives to confront the problem of the “displaced” vendors. If MMDA could clean the sidewalk, create sheds, assign areas for public utility vehicles (even “colorum” FX services), like that of MRT North Avenue Trail, it could possibly provide a little area for street vendors. This way, the street vendors could be managed in an area. It may avoid the disruption of commuters walking along the sidewalk.

For as long as the MMDA has not created concrete plans on where to put the “displaced” vendors, the battle between the MMDA and street vendors will persist. We could still see MMDA officers running after street vendors.

These people have already created jobs on their own. If the government couldn’t provide them with better job opportunities, it could at least give them an area where they could develop their ventures. Else, they might just end up as perennial policy violators.