THE decade-long wait for a place to sell their wares in Bahrain’s biggest central market may be over for some lucky local traders with news of plans to provide new stalls.
Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli said the Manama Central Market is undergoing a reorganisation to accommodate more farmers, butchers and fish sellers, alongside other local product producers.
He told the Capital Trustees Board at its meeting yesterday at the authority’s headquarters in Manama that the market’s recent planned expansion would provide spaces for a further 100 traders.
“There is a high demand for stalls at Manama Central Market as it is the biggest and conveniently located in the middle of the country,” said Mr Al Sehli.
He explained that currently there are more than 500 stalls and corner spaces available on a monthly lease, costing between BD10 and BD150, making the market commercially attractive.
“We have received hundreds of requests, some dragging back up to 10 years, requesting a place to set up shop,” he added. “We now have plans for a massive revamp which will free up much more space allowing us to accommodate up to 100 more traders.”
He added that the new rules and criteria put in place would help clear up the pending requests and allow genuine local traders a market place to prosper.
“Having clear set of rules will help us filter through the applications,” said Mr Al Sehli. “We acknowledge that there has been a historic misuse of spaces by a few unscrupulous expatriate intruders and they have been dealt with by the concerned authorities. Regular checks across the markets continue to take place with the support of municipal inspectors.”
The director-general also referenced that leased shops for bigger businesses in the market fetch BD450 a month.
It came as members unanimously voted in favour of introducing the new rules and conditions to lease stalls in all central markets in the Capital Governorate. Markets in the governorate, besides Manama, are also located in Jidhafs and Sitra.
Under the new rules, presented by financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Mohammed Al Abbas, only Bahrainis who don’t have other government or private sector jobs will be allowed to open up for business in the markets. They should also have no outstanding payments due or be facing legal issues with the Capital Trustees Authority.
A valid commercial registration will be required and medically-fit-to-work certificates have to be carried by market staff.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah insisted the new rules be simple and suggested smart cards proving accreditation could be issued to confirm compliance and allowing easy checks to be made by inspectors.
“Supporting local farmers, butchers, fish sellers and other food producers should always be our main objective,” he added.
The rules have been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review.
Mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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