SCORES of trucks that occupy space at the Manama Central market will have to start paying daily parking fees.
They take up room at the market’s 5,000 square metre car park, where they remain for several days at a time.
A one-month study has determined there are an average of 80 trucks parked at the location, prompting the Capital Trustees Board to approve the new parking fees yesterday.
“I hope that this project plays a role in organising the flow of trucks at the Manama Central Market, while reducing the time they spend there,” said board vice-chairwoman Aziza Kamal.
“This way the highest number of people can benefit from the parking spaces available.”
The one-month study was conducted by the Capital Trustees Authority, which found each truck occupies a space of around 60sqm.
Only a small number of them are vehicles registered in Bahrain, meaning most are delivering goods from abroad.
However, they end up staying at the site for three to seven days on average.
“These trucks are being parked at random and a solution is needed urgently,” said Capital Trustees Authority property department head Reem Bucheeri, as she addressed board members yesterday.
“Many drivers take advantage of the parking space by also using the facilities, amenities and labourers.”
She proposed limiting the trucks’ stay to seven days, charging them BD20 daily for the first three days and BD40 daily for the next four days.
“Some of these trucks are used as chillers to store extra quantities of produce, so they spend more days than necessary to clear these items from their stock – and that’s also incorrect,” she said.
However, the Capital Trustees Board yesterday chose to impose a lower tariff of BD5 daily for the first four days, followed by BD20 daily for the subsequent three days.
It also limited their stay at the location to seven days.
“We need to take into account the traders and their situations,” explained board financial and legal affairs committee chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan.
“This proposal is focused on finding a solution to facilitate their entrance and exit from the parking spaces and is not about making a profit.
“The point is to make sure they don’t spend more than four days there, not to turn a profit.”
Capital Trustees Authority director general Shawqiya Humaidan described the existing situation at the market as being out of control.
She highlighted thefts at the site, as well as traders using the market’s car park to sell goods to illegal street vendors.
Board member Dr Maha Al Shehab had hoped the strategy would be studied further before any decision was taken.
“There are many ideas to employ for this parking space,” she said.
“It can be invested in, transformed into parking spaces for market visitors or there are many other options.
“The trucks should only enter the parking area to unload their produce, not park there idly.”
She was also concerned that imposing fees that were too low would have little impact.
“The current situation is disastrous, including cleanliness issues and pollution,” she added.
“Imposing fees is a good step, but they have to be based on a lengthy study that is more detailed.
“If the fees are too minimal, then it’s like you haven’t even imposed anything.
“But if the fees are too high you burden the Bahraini investor and trader, which isn’t something we support.”
The new fees approved by the board yesterday will now be referred to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for approval.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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