STREET sellers aiming to operate their businesses at a newly-approved central market in Isa Town will have to adhere to strict food hygiene rules.
Plans to build the market were recently revealed by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf with the aim of establishing a selling point that gathers all street vendors selling fruit, vegetables, meat and fish in one place and serves the densely populated area.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari said those willing to rent space in the long-awaited market will have to adopt best hygiene practices to avoid legal action.
“Street vendors have always been a problem for us because it remains very difficult to keep track of them and ensure they sell fresh food,” said Mr Al Ansari.
“However, they are still preferred by people in Isa Town because the closest central market they can go to is in Riffa, which is relatively far from their area.
“They have been demanding a central market in Isa Town for years.
“I am very happy that their demand has finally received a reply and I urge the government to fast-track the project.
“The market means those vendors won’t have any excuses to sell on the streets or outside mosques like they currently do.
“Strict legal action must be taken against them if they continued to do the same after the opening of the market.
“The market has also been proposed to improve hygiene and quality of food being sold and therefore vendors must do what it takes to keep the food fresh.
“Inspection visits will be made to ensure everyone is adhering to the rules.”
The project is spearheaded by the council and was approved in January by the Cabinet.
Street vendors are banned following a decision by Mr Khalaf, which resulted in their eviction from stalls in Isa Town in January.
The minister earlier said the concept of central markets was outdated but last week announced that the new market will soon be established.
It has been included as part of plans to develop Isa Town Traditional Market but its location had not been revealed yet.
The traditional market will provide a car parking space for around 450 vehicles and will be provided with security cameras, as revealed earlier by the minister.
Lighting will also be improved, while new toilets have been built and electric wiring was checked to ensure safety.
The market is also being redesigned to host festivals and events in Bahrain.
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))