FAMILIES living in and around Zallaq could soon be able to buy their fresh catch-of-the-day from a shaded mini fish market situated on the harbour.
The move would also allow local fishermen to set up stall closer to home and not worry about transporting their catches into Manama and getting caught up in the highway rush hour.
The Southern Municipality Council approved a recommendation that will be submitted to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to establish a fish market in Zallaq’s Fishing Harbour.
“We could use any part of the harbour that fulfils the requirement of establishing a fully-fledged fish market,” said the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Talal Al Basheer, who is spearheading the proposal.
“It makes absolute sense to utilise the facility as a central point for the fishermen and local customers, especially considering that Zallaq is a coastal area with an active fishing scene.”
Mr Al Basheer described how, despite Zallaq being a fishing hotspot, there was nowhere for people to gather and share the catch.
“Many have to travel all the way to different markets such as Manama, or even Hidd, to buy fish landed in Zallaq,” he added. “Currently the only alternative for fishermen is to scatter their catch on the street. And, now as we enter the most brutally hot days, they would have to stay out under the sweltering sun to try and make a living.
“If we are unable to set up an entire market for the fishermen, the least we can do is establish something smaller open during morning hours.”
The GDN had previously reported on the Southern Municipal Council approving proposals to establish fishing markets in the area, especially considering that Zallaq has become a growing tourist hotspot and its population is significantly rising.
Two years ago, there were plans shelved to turn Zallaq Public Park into a micro-central market following complaints from residents that it could attract noisy young vandals. The project was officially halted due to lack of parking spaces in the area.
hussain@gdn.com.bh
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