Located at the west-end of Tanah Abang textile center, access to Blok G not only poses setback due to the relatively far distances from the central blocks, the chaotic traffic caused by a concentration of public minivans makes the building even harder for visitors to come take a look. Blok G is now in dire condition, but officials said workers are speeding up refurbishment, especially in the third and fourth floor, where estimatedly over 700 kiosks will be ready to use by September. With just a month to go, there is a lot of work to do. Perhaps, the success of mass removal program to clean up streets from street vendors is not about hastening the restoration project in Blok G, but more than that, a sound policy based on thorough studies. Continue reading “WARY AND WEARY PART 3: BLOK G”

Tired and cautious, street vendors in Tanah Abang market share similar expression as the tension rises amid the rigorous plan to organise the largest wholesale and retail textile blocks at the center of the city. Losing a place for income source seems imminent. Business doubles up especially in August where the nation celebrates Islamic holy month, but this could be the last chance to taste a boon. Continue reading “WARY AND WEARY PART 2”