A FIRST-TIME councillor has called for the reopening of a weekend flea market, which was shut down in 2020 as part of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Antique seller Mubarak Faraj, who was elected to the Southern Municipal Council from Isa Town (eastern part), is leading a group of councillors who believe that the flea market is a winning concept, no matter where it was located on the island.
After the traditional open-air market in Isa Town – a favourite for bargain-hunters – was shut down by the Southern Municipality in March 2020, the site was taken over by a Bahraini investor who is planning to expand a hypermarket, adjacent to the original steel structure.
In August this year, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry informed Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board that negotiations were underway to select the best location for the market.
The Southern Municipal Council claims that the Northern Municipal Council rejected Hamad Town as venue for the market citing lack of space.
However, the latter accused the Southern councillors of using the pandemic as ‘an excuse’ to shut down the original market in Isa Town.
“The flea market concept really sells itself, so no matter where it is, people will still flock there,” said Mr Faraj, who owns an antique shop in the Isa Town Traditional Market and used to sell at the flea market during weekends.
“Bahrainis and expatriates alike used to show up at 5am on Fridays and Saturdays at the open-air flea market in Isa Town to sell and buy second-hand items; the market was so lively that people barely had a chance to walk.
“Even tourists coming to the country, whether by sea, air or land, have the flea marketplace on their visit schedule, according to Customs officials dealing with large quantities of items bought.”
Mr Faraj said it was agreed that any new location had to be secure, properly monitored and equipped with services.
“Ministries and government bodies hold carnivals, exhibitions and shows; the market could be treated on the same level in which portable stands and toilets are made available and concerned inspectors accompanied by the police are present,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where the market is – it was in Manama before being moved to Isa Town, and it was as popular as before.
“So moving it to Halat Umm Al Bayd near Sitra or Hamad Town wouldn’t make a difference; the concept sells itself but the market needs to open in the next six months.”
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Under-Secretary for Municipal Affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa denied that the ‘old market’ concept had been buried for good.
He told the GDN that plans were underway to reopen the market and a few locations had been shortlisted for the purpose.
Approvals
However, he refused to disclose the venues and said the ministry was waiting for approvals from other government bodies.
“The market needs a proper venue where it could be monitored, with necessary services close by. Besides, other technical, security and logistic arrangements have to be taken care of,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“We are also considering the idea of having four smaller flea markets in each governorate, but for now we will go for one main one as it is much easier to manage.”
Over the years the flea market had gained notoriety as a place to buy stolen goods, exotic animals and pornography – and where food unfit for human consumption was also allegedly sold.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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