A proposal to establish a co-ordinating task force to support traders in the Old Manama Suq has been approved by the Capital Trustees Board.
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of community partnership and market development while preserving the area’s architectural and cultural identity.
The move, presented by board member Dr Abdulhassan Al Dairy, seeks to form a task force that will co-ordinate between the Capital Trustees Board, traders and the relevant authorities.
Its primary objectives include:
- Preserving the heritage identity of the Old Manama Suq
- Promoting economic and cultural tourism
- Addressing urgent issues affecting the marketplace
- Revitalising commercial and tourism activities in the area
Dr Al Dairy stressed that the initiative was a response to challenges observed in the market.
He referenced the success of previous initiatives like Retro Manama, which played a crucial role in revitalising the suq and reopening many shuttered-up shops.
The board’s services and public utilities committee chairwoman Huda Sultan highlighted the need for close co-ordination between the board and traders. She stressed the importance of identifying and resolving issues proactively to prevent future crises, citing the recent fire incident in the market as an example of an avoidable disaster.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah reassured traders that the task force would not impose any financial burden on businesses.
“The teams will be trained in first aid, emergency response and safety procedures to enhance market security and preparedness,” he stated.
Despite broad support for the proposal, concerns were raised about the structure and oversight of the initiative.
He pointed out that the task force would be directly supervised by the board and evaluated after a set period to assess its effectiveness.
“Our goal is to enhance communication between the board and traders, while ensuring tangible improvements in market conditions,” he explained.
“Through this, Manama suq traders can expect a structured platform to address their concerns and work collaboratively towards revitalising one of Bahrain’s most historic commercial hubs.”
Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli pointed out that existing committees within the Tourism Ministry and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities were already working towards similar goals.
Meanwhile, board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan expressed reservations about the involvement of multiple authorities, fearing that excessive oversight could slow the market’s development.
“While diverse perspectives are valuable, entrusting a single entity with the responsibility of overseeing the suq’s development would streamline efforts and accelerate progress,” she argued.
Board member Mohammed Al Abbas responded by clarifying that the task force would not replace existing committees, but rather act as a bridge between traders and relevant authorities. “The team’s role will be to listen to traders’ concerns and relay their priorities to decision-makers,” he explained.
Board member Fatima Al Haji raised an additional point regarding the representation of suq residents in the task force.
“Since the decisions made will impact the entire area, including its residential sections, it is crucial that local residents have a voice in the process,” she asserted.
A massive fire in the suq killed three people and injured nine others, gutted 25 shops and damaged 150 other stores in June last year.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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