THE search is on for a government plot to build a new central market to serve residents and visitors in the south of the country.
The Southern Municipal council has approved a proposal to find a home for an outdoor shopping facility in Zallaq, close to Bahrain International Circuit, as the area is growing as a tourist hotspot and its population is significantly rising.
“Zallaq and its surrounding neighbourhoods are filled with farmers and fishermen,” said council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Talal Al Basheer, who represents Zallaq, Sakhir, Al Areen, Al Jazair and Safra.
“Yet, fishermen in the area have to wake up at sunrise to catch fish and then travel all the way to the nearest central market, which is far away from home,” he added.
“Their wives have to leave as well, travelling out of the area to buy ingredients for food due to the rarity of shops selling fresh produce. During Ramadan, one can imagine how all of these problems get exacerbated, particularly when fasting.
“And, of course, more people, as well as tourists, are being attracted to the area and a good market would encourage even more visitors.”
Mr Al Basheer stressed the need to provide a centralised area to buy and sell meat, fruit, vegetables and freshly-caught fish.
“Implementing this market should be a priority, for not only will it reduce the burden of the region’s residents, but will help create job opportunities for young Bahrainis in the area,” he stressed.
There has been previous attempts in the past to acquire land to build a central market. Two years ago, there were plans to turn Zallaq Public Park into such a community facility following complaints from residents that it attracted noisy young vandals and could be put to better use.
“Initially the plan was to turn the public park in Zallaq into a micro-central market, but that did not work out well due to issues with estate contracts,” said Mr Al Basheer. “However, that only increased our ambitions and now we are hoping to have a full-fledged central market in Zallaq.
“We are seeking government property but, if not, then perhaps we can arrange with landlords to buy off suitable plots, but again it would be subject to available government funding.”
A new market would provide another platform for Bahraini farmers to showcase and market their products following the success of the Budiaya Saturday morning site, supporters add.
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