Expobel's entrepreneurs: "New kiosks to cost us as an apartment"

Expobel suffers another wave of entrepreneurs' protests.

It should be reminded that earlier, they were not satisfied with high rental price. Now obsolete pavilions are subject to demolishing, and lease holders are to be moved on the opposite side of the indoor pavilion, kp.by informs.

- Rumour has had evictions, but we have hoped to work until September 1. But on Tuesday we are suddenly informed that only six working days left! If we do not leave until July 1, all kiosks will be demolished and we will be fined 200 basic units (Br36 mln. - author's note). On Wednesday they did us a service and granted a 15-day grace. Now we should leave until July 15, and the demolishing is postponed until August 1, Andrei, an owner of a kiosk with building materials, says. - But now it is a season and we earn money to live for in winter. If we were allowed to work until September 1, there would be no complaints.

- Another condition for moving: All of us are subject to buy new kiosks, another entrepreneur resents. - We are handed out instructions. Five-chamber multiple glazed units, electrically operated roller blinds, polymeric coatings with not less than 10 year warranty... Where should we take money from? It is like to buy an apartment! Even if we find money, few years later they want to build another trading pavilion. It turns out that we again lose everything.

New requirements are as follows:

On Thursday entrepreneurs gathered at market administration's to choose new place by lots. Almost everyone appeared and they began to discuss problems in the corridor. Value of kiosks and move time are of the greatest concern.

Administration's representatives tried to make the situation plain.

- Nobody makes you install five-chamber multiple glazed units and buy the most expensive kiosks. Technical requirements are of illustrative purpose. The main requirement is as follows: at least equal to six fire resistance index. A manufacture is for you to choose. First of all you need this, an employee of the administration explained.

We asked the Expobel management to clarify the situation:

- The trading place is 12 years old. It is obsolete; there are claims to fire safety and sanitary regulations. Another reason is that we should be competitive, be at least at the same quantity level with the largest shopping centers of Minsk. We want our clients stay, Andrei Homan, Chief of the Expobel, explains. - Now it is being modernized. To make it more convenient, we are trying to do it step by step. The ground for new kiosks is already being built up. We have already invested $1.5 million. The ground is located on the other side of the Expobel, near the road. It is comfortable both for consumers and entrepreneurs. It is equipped with entry points and parking lots. If we plan a new building there, all entrepreneurs will be able to move there. We will cover all costs.

Ground construction is in full play.

Entrepreneurs will be able to move there since July 15. They will be given 2 weeks for moving; from July 15 to August 1 they will be able to trade without paying the rent.