Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - To improve the image and security of the Emiliano Zapata Municipal Market, the Puerto Vallarta City Council launched a project to renovate the building's roof and structure last Saturday.

Since its construction nearly 25 years ago, the market had received no maintenance whatsoever, but thanks to the commitment of Mayor Ramón Guerrero Martínez, the city will be investing more than $245 thousand pesos for the restoration of this iconic landmark.

On behalf of the Mayor, Councilman Luis Munguia González gave the green flag to start these works which, he noted, is the first of a series of projects that will be performed to improve the different markets that are important to our city, as they "promote fair trade and link Vallarta producers with the local marketplace."

He added that spaces like the Emiliano Zapata Municipal Market offer plenty of attractions for visitors and locals alike, which is why they ask the Municipal Tourism Office to design a diffusion plan as part of the destination's attractions.

"We want everyone to discover them, to come and explore them. It should be made known to all the visitors staying in hotels that there are many local markets to visit, because markets are part of our culture, of our way of life, and that makes them a tourist attraction," he said.

For his part, the CEO of Infrastructure and Services, Oscar Delgado Chavez, said the rehabilitation of the market's food court will be undertaken by city workers from the Department of Maintenance and Public Works in an effort to reduce costs. The work, repairing a total of 180 square meters of roof, is expected to be completed in three weeks.

On behalf of the tenants, Maria Urrutia Gonzalez expressed her gratitude that the project was underway, saying, "This work is very important and necessary for us. Thanks to the Mayor who provided the financial resources for the works to be carried out."