BAHRAIN’S Old Manama Suq could be run on green energy under proposed moves to inject it with new life.
Suggestions include solar panels to be used as shades across the main parts of the suq; these could also generate electricity for air-conditioners and lighting.
The ideas will be presented by Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah to Tourism Minister and suq development committee chairwoman Fatima Al Sairafi during the committee’s meeting some time this month.
This follows a Cabinet approval of a parliamentary proposal in March to create pedestrian-only zones in and around Bahrain’s traditional suqs to solve traffic congestion issues and to provide shoppers and tourists with safe walking spaces and environmentally-friendly electric cart transportation.
The ‘car-free’ proposal issued by five MPs led by Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom covers the old Manama, Muharraq and East Riffa suqs.
The market areas would allow access for cycles, golf carts and environmental-friendly auto rickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks.
“Business is not what it used to be at the Old Manama Suq which remained the same while other traditional markets in the region developed,” said Mr Tarradah.
“Manama is not just the capital, but also the heart of the country, and it has to showcase tradition and modernity,” he added.
“Introducing green energy is one of the ideas we have in mind and installing solar panels across the main parts of the suq will be beneficial. The panels would act as shades, while ensuring electricity for air-conditioners and lights.
“The issue of financing should be done in partnership between the government and the private sector, in a fashion similar to how solar panels were installed at branches of banks.”
Mr Tarradah added that there are more ideas to revitalise the market, but they were all dependent on when the market would turn pedestrian-only.
“It would be illogical to have solar panels set as shades, when vehicles continue to drive around the market,” he said.
“I am not against vehicles entering the area at one point, during specific timings for loading, or when residents are back from work, but during shopping hours, the market should be pedestrian-only.”
Mr Al Salloom, who is also the chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society, said people want to enjoy the shopping experience at all times.
“People enjoy walking and shopping in the old suq without being asked to give way for vehicles or end the trip early because it is hot, humid or raining,” he said.
“The solar shades idea is something the market has been needing for a very long time.
“It resolves several problems associated with the suq all at once. Everyone wins – the shoppers, the businesses and the tourism chiefs.”
In 2015, the GDN reported on a proposal by traders wishing to ban cars from the Manama Suq on at least one day a week, but authorities failed to act on it.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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