Peruvian court orders Surquillo Market reopening despite structural risks

A Peruvian court has mandated the reopening of Surquillo Market No. 1 within three days, overriding safety concerns raised by the Surquillo District Municipality. The order stems from a precautionary measure filed by a group of merchants affected by the market's prolonged closure, which has lasted over a year.

The market's infrastructure, reportedly over 80 years old, exhibits considerable deterioration. Key issues include partial detachment of a roof section and structural weaknesses affecting the central structure and dome. The municipality attributes these problems to age, insufficient maintenance over the years, and exacerbation by recent seismic activity.

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The infrastructure is over 80 years old and shows detachments and structural deterioration.

José Luis Gómez, Surquillo's Economic Development Manager, highlighted that the central structure and dome require urgent maintenance and reinforcement. Allowing public access under current conditions, he warned, poses a significant risk to the safety of workers and customers.

Further complicating the situation is a stalled investment project aimed at modernizing the market. Administrative hurdles related to property ownership have prevented the necessary financing from being secured. Although a final court ruling recognizes Surquillo's administration of the property, the land registry still lists the Municipality of Miraflores as the owner. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has conditioned the project's viability on an agreement between the two municipalities, which remains pending since June.

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The central structure and dome require maintenance and reinforcement work.