The much-anticipated BD3.5 million central market in Hamad Town has been put on hold.
The 5,000sqm facility, designed to serve as a traditional-style market, was expected to provide residents with essential services, including meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. It would have also featured a hypermarket, along with 80 stalls, kiosks, green spaces and an administrative building.
However, Northern Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman and area councillor Abdulla Al Thawadi has confirmed that the project has been shelved.
It was initially slated for completion in August last year.
Mr Al Thawadi has now urged the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to take swift action by reissuing a tender to attract a new investor to step in and rescue the project.
“This market is an essential development for Hamad Town,” he said.
“It was designed to provide high-quality services to the people and to support local traders and vendors.
“The delay has not only affected economic activity, but also deprived the community of a modern, well-organised marketplace.”
The councillor stressed that leaving residents of the area without a vital commercial hub is unacceptable and that authorities must expedite the process.
“The project should have been ready by August last year, yet here we are in 2025 with no significant progress,” he said.
“We cannot afford further delays.
“I am calling on the ministry to urgently reissue the tender so that a new investor can come in and ensure that this crucial market becomes a reality after the existing investor pulled out.”
Mr Al Thawadi highlighted the economic and social benefits the market would bring to Hamad Town, explaining that it would serve as a vital commercial hub, create jobs and provide a centralised location for fresh produce and goods.
“A market of this scale is not just about selling goods,” he explained.
“It is about creating a community space where vendors can thrive, customers can access fresh and affordable products and businesses can grow.”
He also stressed the importance of a properly planned and managed market to ensure health and safety standards are met.
“The traditional concept of the market was meant to blend culture with modern infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to fresh and hygienic produce in a structured environment,” he said.
“We urge swift action to prevent further economic and logistical setbacks.
“We need to put an end to these delays.
“The government must prioritise this project, reissue the tender and find an investor who is willing and capable of delivering it without further setbacks.”
Hamad Town is divided into four Northern Governorate constituencies: Eight (north), Nine (west), 10 (east) and 11 (south).
According to statistics, the town currently has a population of around 100,000, up from official statistics in 2018 showing 82,000 residents.
Hamad Town is 9km in length and between 2.5km to 3km in width, covering a total space of 1,300 hectares. There were only around 30,000 residents in 1991 with it being first inhabited in 1984.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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