A major crackdown has been launched against illegal street vendors operating near labour accommodations in Bahrain’s Southern Governorate, with municipal officials warning that the battle against unlicensed markets is far from over.
The Southern Municipality, supported by the Southern Governorate Police Directorate, recently carried out a large-scale enforcement campaign in Jaw, Askar and Ras Zuwayed, removing illegal stalls and violations related to unauthorised advertising and encroachment on public property.
The operation follows repeated complaints about makeshift markets appearing near labour camps, particularly in Ras Zuwayed (Lahsy), where inspectors previously raided an illegal market after receiving a tip-off.
Fruit, vegetables and fish being sold in questionable conditions were confiscated, while vehicles used to transport the goods were also seized.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif welcomed the latest campaign, but stressed that long-term monitoring was needed to prevent violators from returning.
“This is not a new problem and it is certainly not limited to one location,” he said.
“Many of these industrial and labour-populated areas have witnessed recurring violations for years. Illegal stalls often appear in locations lacking proper services and oversight, creating concerns over hygiene, public health, safety and unfair competition for licensed businesses.”
Mr Abdullatif said councillors regularly receive complaints about illegal street trading, unlicensed services and other activities concentrated in remote industrial districts.
“Most of the labourers live in areas separated from commercial centres, and that has encouraged some people to establish illegal businesses without regard for cleanliness, regulations or consumer safety,” he said.
“We support the municipality’s efforts, but enforcement must be continuous if we are to achieve lasting results.”
He also reiterated calls for enhanced surveillance and monitoring in industrial areas.
“Technology and regular patrols can play a major role in deterring violations and improving security,” he added.
Southern Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman and area councillor Ali Al Shaikh said illegal vendors frequently exploit busy labour accommodation zones because they know demand exists.
“These stalls are often set up in unsuitable locations and without any form of regulation or health inspection,” he said.
“Beyond the visual impact, they can create traffic problems, obstruct public spaces and raise legitimate concerns about the quality and safety of the products being sold.”
Mr Al Shaikh praised the municipality’s latest operation and called for routine inspections across known hotspots.
“Removing violations is important, but preventing them from returning is the real challenge,” he said.
“Continuous field inspections and co-ordination with police authorities are essential to maintaining order.”
According to councillors, areas such as Jaw, Askar and Ras Zuwayed have become notorious for recurring violations, with illegal vendors often selling food, clothing and other goods from temporary roadside stalls.
Municipal officials have indicated that inspection teams will continue conducting regular campaigns across the Southern Governorate as part of wider efforts to improve public spaces, protect consumers and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
Councillors say the message is clear: public areas are not open for unlicensed commercial activity, and those attempting to operate outside the law should expect increased scrutiny in the months ahead.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))