UNSAFE electrical connections and deteriorating infrastructure were among the key concerns highlighted during a field inspection of Jidhafs Central Market yesterday by the Capital Trustees Authority.
The visit was led by Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah and attended by the authority’s director-general Alya Yousif, along with municipal officials, as part of efforts to assess service needs on the ground and improve the commercial environment for vendors and visitors.
Shopkeepers and stallholders briefed officials about a series of service challenges – pointing, in particular, to worn-out awnings, unsafe electrical wiring in some locations, deteriorating stall conditions and the need for better drainage and basic service facilities.
They said these issues could pose risks to shoppers and workers and called for practical steps to create a safer and more organised marketplace.
Mr Tarradah said the inspection was aimed at translating complaints into actionable solutions through the executive arm of the municipality.
“What we saw on site confirms the need for swift maintenance and corrective work, especially regarding unsafe electrical connections and the condition of the stalls,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for shoppers and vendors while raising the overall standard of services and infrastructure at this vital market.”
He stressed that improving the market’s physical condition would enhance its attractiveness and sustainability as a commercial hub serving residents of the Capital Governorate.
“Jidhafs Market is an important service point. By improving the condition of the stalls, upgrading electrical safety and maintaining drainage and facilities, we can create an integrated commercial environment that meets people’s expectations,” Mr Tarradah added.
The tour comes months after the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry outlined a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the market.
During earlier parliamentary discussions, Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the market would emerge with ‘a new look worthy of its service role’ following phased redevelopment works, expected to be completed in the early months of next year.
He revealed that extensive maintenance covering internal and external repairs, electrical upgrades and infrastructure modernisation was scheduled to begin this year to improve the overall market environment.
According to the ministry, around 90 per cent of commercial activities at the market have already had their legal status regularised, with work continuing to resolve the remaining cases in co-ordination with relevant parties.
Concerns raised previously over the removal of some stalls were also addressed by the ministry, which clarified that this was part of an organisational process driven by safety and environmental considerations, particularly given the market’s location on a busy main road.
Officials had stressed that vendors are ‘partners in the development process’, with efforts focused on resolving challenges related to walkways, entry and exit points through practical solutions.
Mr Tarradah said yesterday’s visit was consistent with that broader plan and would help prioritise immediate safety fixes while longer-term measures progress in phases.
“Field visits like this are essential. They allow us to hear directly from vendors and see the issues first-hand, so we can follow up with the executive body to address them in a structured and timely manner,” he said.
The authority is expected to co-ordinate with the ministry and relevant departments to ensure urgent maintenance – particularly related to electrical safety and stall conditions – is carried out without delay, while aligning with the approved redevelopment roadmap for the market.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))