THE reshaping and improvements made to the Manama Central Market for merchants and buyers appear to be paying dividends after massive recent infrastructure improvements.
Much of the work has been finished or is nearing completion according to officials on a formal site visit to study the impact on the changes.
An inspection of the market, carried out by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, will determine the needs of traders and highlight what further improvements are required.
“The ministry is keen to develop the Manama Central Market in a way that suits the requirements of visitors,” he said during the visit. “It is one of the most prominent markets in Manama, and it is important to accommodate the needs of sellers and the merchants as well.
“As the largest market in the kingdom, it represents a focal point for food sale operations and acts as the main station to supply other governorates with not just food, but also materials, goods and other products.”
During the visit, Mr Al Mubarak inspected the progress of some of the infrastructure improvements, including the recently completed shaded area for loading and unloading products.
He also inspected a 95 per cent completed electrical capacitors project expected to not only rationalise daily consumption of electricity, but also to reduce operating expenses.
Another project in focus was one that aimed at replacing the canopy of the fish market to ‘better protect’ both tenants and customers from the heat especially in the upcoming hotter months.
Mr Al Mubarak was accompanied by Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro. His ministry monitors and follows up on the movement of goods in the market.
“We are looking to analyse the movement, identify any obstacles or challenges that may arise, and co-ordinate with relevant authorities if necessary to overcome them,” he said. “This will contribute to the minimisation of any rise in prices of basic commodities.
“It will also help us identify any illegal activities so we can deal with them in a timely manner in accordance to established procedures.”
During the tour, both ministers were briefed by Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli on some of the maintenance and development work that was being carried out by the Capital Governorate in the market.
Back in 2021, the GDN reported that the Central Market had witnessed several development projects aimed at improving its environment and all its components, as part of the Capital Municipality’s series of projects to revamp and better maintain the 43-year-old market.
New public toilets, planting more trees and placing hardy plants in and around the market were also announced, alongside using solar power to reduce electricity costs.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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