The weekly used vehicle market in Akbou, located in Bouyizène, has been attributed to a bidder for 14.1 billion centimes during a bidding session held at the Akbou Communal Assembly hall. This comes after six previous attempts at adjudication failed to attract a buyer. The market will be operated by the successful bidder until 2021. The initial reserve price was set at 18 billion centimes for a three-year period but was later reduced.
The market's attribution is seen as a significant development for the region, as it is a major commercial activity and a substantial source of revenue, generating over 500 million centimes per month. Local residents and traders had expressed concerns about the market's closure, which had been ongoing for two consecutive weeks. The market, which operates every Friday, was shut down due to the lack of a successful bidder.
The Akbou mayor, Mouloud Salhi, defended his decision to close the market, citing the need to adhere to regulations. He stated that the cahier des charges did not provide for the market's temporary opening in case of failed adjudication. The mayor's stance was met with opposition from local elected officials and residents, who argued that the market's closure would result in significant financial losses for the community.
An extraordinary assembly was held to discuss the market's future, with debates lasting nine hours. Despite opposition from some elected officials and residents, the mayor maintained his decision to suspend commercial activities at the market until it was successfully attributed. The assembly was one of the longest in Akbou's history.
The market's closure over the past two weeks resulted in an estimated loss of 500 million centimes, according to opposition officials. They attributed the losses to what they described as the "amateurism" and "incompetence" of the current executive authorities. The successful attribution of the market is expected to bring relief to local traders and residents.
The reduction in the market's reserve price, from 18 billion to 14.1 billion centimes, was seen as a strategic move to attract bidders. The market has a reputation as a major commercial hub in the region, and its closure had sparked a lively debate among local residents and officials.
With the market now successfully attributed, commercial activities are set to resume. The mayor emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the market is not undervalued, stating that he would not allow the "bradage" of this important commercial asset. The market's reopening is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
Key points
- The Akbou vehicle market was attributed to a bidder for 14.1 billion centimes after six unsuccessful attempts.
- The market generates over 500 million centimes in revenue per month.
- The market's closure resulted in estimated losses of 500 million centimes over two weeks.
