February 1, 2014
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2014 January 29 - February 4 [TOKYO]
Tsukiji fish market relocation costs exceed initial cost estimate |
The Tokyo metropolitan government explained that soil contamination countermeasures and infrastructure development at the new site have been costing more than expected. Tokyo has already increased the total project cost estimate twice in the past, suggesting a possibility for another increase.
Initially, Tokyo planned to continue using the aging fish market by renovating the facilities there. However, Ishihara Shintaro, the governor at that time, came up with a plan to move the Tsukiji market to a former gas plant site in Toyosu. His successor Inose Naoki continued with this plan.
The planned site, where a Tokyo Gas plant was located, contains toxic substances in the soil such as benzene, cyanide, and mercury. Many citizens are expressing concern about food safety and also criticizing the decontamination measures as insufficient.
The added increase in the cost estimate this time indicates that Tokyo’s argument that the cost for relocation would be much lower than the cost for renovation has collapsed.
Japanese Communist Party member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Kachi Kayoko said, “The plan should be rejected. The new governor to be elected in the ongoing election should feel free from continuing with the plan of Ishihara and Inose and should reconsider the relocation plan itself with the participation of all parties involved in the fish market, including consumers and independent experts.”
Past related articles:
> Behind the plan to move fish market from Tsukiji to Toyosu[April 4, 2011]
> Proposed relocation site for Tsukiji market turns to liquid after quake[March 17, 2011]
> Tokyo residents sue over moving of fish market to polluted site[February 18, 2011]
> Ishihara to push ahead with relocation of fish market to polluted site[October 23, 2010]
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