CONDITIONS at Bahrain’s main market are set to improve as part of a series of public welfare projects lined up for the coming year.
This was revealed during an inspection visit to the Manama Central Market by a team including Capital Municipality director general Muhammad Saad Al Sahli and Capital Trustees Board public services and utilities committee members led by Dr Abdul Wahed Al Nakal.
Energy-saving devices will be installed at the market, a canopy for the loading/unloading area will be built while pavements asphalted and toilets renovated.
Matters to be addressed include poor cooling and the presence of rodents in the area.
“The installation of energy capacitors comes in line with directives to implement a policy of rationalising energy consumption, as it will reduce consumption and the energy costs required to operate the market,” said Mr Sahli.
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy, and helps in the effective use of electricity.
The GDN reported earlier that solar roofing plans were also underway at the 40-year-old commercial market.
Mr Sahli said sidewalks and internal roads will be built in the area where the trucks are parked to load and unload goods, while the rest of the areas surrounding the market will be paved and asphalted.
“A large canopy equipped with lights and fans will be set up in the loading and unloading area as well, in co-operation with Edamah (Bahrain’s real estate investment company).
“This will be done in co-ordination with the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
“Work is ongoing to demolish and rebuilding all 52 toilets at eight locations in the market.”
Mr Sahli said the development of the market was a “priority”, adding that the municipality plans to implement a package of initiatives to make the premises a “comfortable environment”.
“The aim is to give a civilised appearance to the place, which is a place that gathers the largest food stocks in the kingdom,” he said.
Dr Al Nakal expressed satisfaction at the several regulatory measures introduced by the municipal officials including identification cards for market workers, daily maintenance and sterilisation of the premises in line with the Covid-19 protocols.
“The identification cards help prevent street vendors from selling at the market,” he told the GDN.
Concern
“The cleaning is done daily and periodically from 5am to 5pm, after which the sterilisation is carried out.
“Traders are happy with the current market situation, yet we heard criticism regarding the problem of cooling. Yes, air-conditioning is a problem despite continuous maintenance carried out by the municipality; it is being addressed.
“The canopy in the loading area will offer shade during harsh weather conditions.
“Another concern was the presence of rodents. This is caused by poor commitment to hygiene procedures by some vendors, such as placing waste in places not designated for it, or dumping it in sewage networks.”
Acknowledging that the market buildings were “very old” and needed renovation and an appropriate budget, Dr Al Nakal said his team will be submitting a report on the visit and observations with suggestions on possible solutions.
Capital Trustees Board public relations head Dr Maha Al Shehab said that the concerns of traders “will be addressed”.
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