Traders in the Old Manama Suq, who were anticipating a big rush of visitors including from the Gulf countries over the Eid Al Adha holiday, are now in despair either due to the damages to their stores or closures following the massive blaze on Wednesday.
They said that business will be tough for the next few days as authorities investigate the cause of the fire and mopping-up operations continue.
About 10 to 15 businesses were completely destroyed in the blaze which also reportedly caused damages worth thousands of dinars.
“We are not expecting the usual numbers like during previous Eids,” Old Manama Suq Committee vice-chairman Mahmoud Al Namlaity told the GDN.
“Most of the shops near the entrance to the suq are still open, but the ones affected by the fire will remain closed for the foreseeable future,” he said.
The blaze started in a multi-storey building in Block 304, along Road 432 on Shaikh Abdulla Avenue near a number of textile shops around 4pm.
Mr Abulkhair
Around 30 to 40 per cent of stores near where the fire broke out will remain shut due to maintenance and cleaning.
Mr Al Namlaity has also called on people to be more mindful in future emergencies.
“Instead of people taking photos and videos of the tragedy, they should call the police first.
“There needs to be more awareness programmes to teach people how to react in emergency situations,” he said, also urging people to invest in fire extinguishers.
“It’s such a sad situation; during this season it’s common to see people out and about shopping,” said Mr Al Namlaity.
Stallholders and stores are usually delighted with the jingle of tills and crowded streets as families and friends flock to the area to buy last-minute items for the upcoming holiday.
“Many tourists would come from Saudi as it’s a close getaway from them,” he said, adding that gold and traditional food are among the ‘top picks’.
“The suq represents Bahraini identity. Instead of tourists taking a trip down to City Centre Bahrain, they would come to the Manama Suq to get a taste of true Bahraini culture,” he said.
Dry fruits seller Nizamuddin Abulkhair, 44, whose shop burnt down has been left devastated and is wondering how soon would his business recover.
The Bangladeshi expatriate, who has been operating his business in the suq for eight years, estimated his losses to be in the thousands of dinars, and lamented the timing of the fire.
“Eid is usually one of our busiest seasons, but now, I don’t know what comes next,” he told the GDN.
“We haven’t even had a chance to see how bad the damage is but my shop seems to be completely razed. It might take us months or even years to recover from this.”
Meanwhile, perfume salesman Abu Alabbas said that he is saddened by the terrible situation and expects a drop in footfall.
However, his shop is near the suq entrance and was affected by the fire.
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