An urgent proposal to suspend the removal of food trucks from their current locations until suitable alternatives are provided has been unanimously approved by MPs.
During Parliament’s weekly session at the National Assembly complex in Gudaibiya yesterday, services committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Olaiwi, who spearheaded the proposal along with four other MPs, explained the key reasons behind the move:
Livelihood of Bahraini families:
Hundreds of Bahraini families rely on food trucks as their primary source of income. These families operate in areas such as Buhair, Al Sayah, Karbabad, Juffair and Zallaq. The removal of food trucks threatens their livelihood and financial stability.
Sudden decision by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry:
The decision to remove the food trucks immediately was abrupt and made without prior notice. This left food truck owners with no time to seek alternative income sources or adjust to the changes, causing severe disruptions.
Unfair and hasty decision:
The removal order was rushed and unjust, as it did not provide alternative locations for the displaced vendors. This exposed them to significant financial losses.
Impact on entrepreneurs:
Many food truck owners have taken loans from banks to start or develop their businesses in the hopes of improving their standard of living. This aligns with the government’s goals under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad to support small businesses and improve citizens’ lives.
Support for the unemployed:
Some food truck owners turned to this trade after years of unemployment to support their families. They invested heavily, often through loans, to launch these small businesses and secure a source of income.
Need for support, not obstruction:
As the number of food truck operators has grown across Bahrain, these entrepreneurs urgently require support from official authorities. Unexpected and unjust decisions undermine their efforts and discourage small business growth.
Call for alternative solutions:
The proposal emphasises that no food truck should be removed from any location in Bahrain without first providing appropriate and satisfactory alternatives. Authorities should assist owners in relocating to new sites to minimise financial and logistical burdens.
Wide impact across Bahrain:
There are approximately 500 licensed food trucks operating across Bahrain, representing nearly 500 families that depend on this trade to improve their standard of living.
“The proposal calls on the authorities to reconsider the removal decision and work collaboratively with food truck owners to ensure their businesses can continue to contribute to Bahrain’s economy without undue hardship,” said Mr Al Olaiwi.
Meanwhile, MPs also approve three other urgent proposals unanimously. They were:
- Providing laboratory technicians at the Health Ministry with permanent contracts rather than the current temporary work deals.
- More monitoring of expatriate fishermen practising their profession in Bahrain’s waters following numerous violations that are threatening stocks, marine resources, the seabed and the environment.
- Forming an independent committee to review civil service employment, including appointments to senior posts, dismissals and early retirement.
All the four proposals will now be reviewed by the Cabinet.
MPs have also voted unanimously to issue a statement on the Bahraini Women’s Day and tasked Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to issue it on their behalf.
Also unanimously approved was an urgent proposal to issue a statement welcoming the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Mr Al Musallam being tasked with issuing it on Parliament’s behalf.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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