The municipality of Guayaquil has decided to allocate several streets in the center of the city to set up stalls for Christmas. The measure is welcomed by those who trade at this time of year, and even more so when the economic crisis affects entire families.

The measure must meet the response of those who will benefit from this decision: the least they can do for the city is to maintain order and decorations so that they do not negatively affect the public space.

Vendors will be located in tents from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Sunday, from December 1 to 31, on the streets of Manabí from Coronel to Chimborazo, Febres Cordero from Eloy Alfaro to Chile, Capitán Nájera from Eloy Alfaro to Chile and Cacique Álvarez from Ayacucho to Olmedo. In the first three streets, there will be at least 90 merchants (each separately), and in Cacique Alvarez around 600, according to the Administration of Cantonal Cleanliness, Markets and Special Services (Dacmse).

The mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, said that this proposal aims to encourage the use of public spaces in an orderly manner. It is up to the council to inform the citizens who circulate on the mentioned streets (on foot and in vehicles) through campaigns about alternative routes for their mobilization. In order to maintain cleanliness and order in the affected areas, coordination must be established with the companies providing the service, increasing schedules or reinforcements if necessary. National Police surveillance is essential when it comes to commercial premises, as is private insurance, which must certainly be part of the retailer’s installation plan for the Christmas season, but it’s worth remembering.

Guayaquil is a city synonymous with commerce and its residents traditionally benefit from activities like these in December, which is one of the busiest months and the center is traditionally a shopping center. For the initiative to be effective, safety, order and cleanliness must be guaranteed. (OR)