Manama Central Market, one of the Gulf’s oldest commercial landmarks, came under sharp criticism in Parliament as MPs warned that deteriorating infrastructure and years of inaction are undermining its historic and economic role.
Second Deputy Speaker and area MP Ahmed Qarata said the market was no longer fit for purpose due to severe shortcomings in basic services.
“The market has been suffering for years from malfunctioning air conditioning, declining cleanliness and persistent sewage problems,” he said. “There are no proper truck parking areas or unloading zones, despite the market housing more than 20 sub-markets.”
Mr Qarata claimed that the situation ‘does not reflect the market’s stature’, noting that repeated royal and Crown Prince’s directives to develop Manama Central Market have yet to translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
He also highlighted the plight of Bahraini craftsmen, pointing out that around 33 traditional crafts need nothing more than a suitable location to support tourism and preserve national heritage.
“Shops were removed after the fire without consultation, yet fees continue to be collected despite the poor conditions,” he added.
The debate expanded to wider urban and social challenges, particularly unregulated labour accommodation. MP Mohammed Al Rifaie warned that municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board are struggling to deal with the spread of labour housing within residential neighbourhoods, placing pressure on social security and quality of life.
“Some houses are sold and then converted into overcrowded labour accommodation without effective legal regulation,” he said, revealing that a draft law he submitted has been sitting with the services committee for months despite the urgency of the issue. “Holding municipal councils responsible without giving them clear legislative tools limits their ability to act,” he added, calling for swift approval of legislation to protect the social fabric of communities.
Mr Al Rifaie also raised concerns about the lack of regulation governing food trucks.
He said eviction warnings issued since November 2024 had not been implemented, creating confusion and inequality among operators. “What is needed is a clear and fair legal framework,” he said.
MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi criticised delays in government responses to parliamentary proposals, noting that some replies date back more than a year.
Speaking during discussions on a proposal to secure mosques and places of worship in Muharraq, he said the initiative stemmed from ‘real on-the-ground suffering’ linked to the spread of bachelors’ accommodation, even in newly-developed residential complexes meant for families.
“This expansion has changed the social character of neighbourhoods and increased complaints from residents,” he said, urging intensified field inspections and practical solutions rather than ‘theoretical responses’.
Strategic Thinking Bloc member MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen welcomed the adjustment of electricity tariffs for first homes, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens. “Reducing the tariff to 16 fils for consumption between 5,000 and 7,000 units is a practical response to families’ needs,” she said.
She also stressed the need to regulate pricing in private hospitals, arguing that setting controls and a reasonable minimum pricing structure would protect patients, ensure service quality and prevent unjustified disparities.
Addressing traffic congestion from Baghdad Avenue to National Charter Highway, she acknowledged long-term government plans but insisted that ‘the current reality requires urgent, temporary solutions to ease daily suffering until strategic projects are completed’.
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