With so many structures coming up on pavements, pedestrians
are forced at times to use the auto road. There are also places such as the
Educational University bus station where there are always too many people to
fit into the pavement. The Land Office of Sukhbaatar District asked on August
30 those using them to dismantle 16 such structures in the area but the owners
and tenants appealed to the Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) against the
directive. The CTU asked Mayor G.Munkhbayar to allow them to remain until the spring
and the Mayor agreed. The Land Office, however, has said it plans to go ahead
with the demolition plans. We took the views of some of the owners and tenants.

D.Odontuya has run a stall for 15 years and wants to be allowed to move to the
underground cross.

N.Narantsetseg said he has papers to show that his stall was built after
receiving proper permission when J.Narantsatsralt was Mayor. Even if they move
to the underground cross, they would have water supply, air conditioning and
sewage, but no heating. That is unacceptable. Also every stall can have 1 meter
square which is too little space for business.

S.Otgontuya said some of them have borrowed between MNT1million and MNT50
million to start business and would be ruined if they have to go by October 18.

The Chief of the Land Office of Sukhbaatar District,
J.Batsaikhan, gives his views.

Why are you asking people to leave?
The city development policy wants all structures to be removed before October
18, and we are only following this. The district has allocated MNT20 million
for the work and alternative space is being offered in the underground cross.

But
they say they cannot be there in the cold?
The
City Administration will spend MNT90 million to install lighting, air conditioning
and drinking water supply system there by November 1. There are many applicants
for business space in the underground cross and we shall give priority to these
16.

Will
there be any compensation for those who will not move underground?
There
is no plan for compensation as we are providing alternative working area.

The
owners have rented out the stalls…
We
recognize only the owners.

Some
say they have property ownership certificates and the structures cannot be demolished…
The
land is owned by the State and people have paid only for using the land. We
have talked about this for many years and have to implement the decision now.

The Chief of the Control Department of the Infrastructure
of the State Specialized Inspection Agency, Ch.Munkhjargal, said the
underground cross at present is unusable for business but the district plans to
install facilities soon. If these meet the required standards, people could certainly
work there. Proper use will also ensure maintenance of the cross.