A TRADITIONAL café is the highlight of a model approved for one of Bahrain’s oldest central market yesterday.
The new-look Jidhafs Central Market will also feature 12 fish shops, 10 meat shops and 20 fruits and vegetables shops.
The Capital Trustees Board also recommended that the authorities study the feasibility of a multi-storeyed car park for the market, which is the second largest commercial facility in Bahrain, after the Manama Central Market.
The Jidhafs market, which has existed for around three decades, was temporarily relocated to a site nearby as authorities announced a major facelift following years of complaints about run-down facilities.
The GDN reported last year that nearly 100 traders at the market have for years complained about chaotic scenes due to disorganised sections and stalls along with a lack of proper amenities, run-down facilities and lack of proper maintenance which they said posed a risk to both shoppers and vendors.
Details of two plans proposed by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry were presented to the members at the council’s regular meeting held at its Manama premises by Capital Trustees Board Public Services and Utilities Committee chairman Dr Abdul Wahed Al Nakal.
“The market will be developed on five plots of government, three of which are registered to municipalities, while the other two are still being registered,” Dr Al Nakal told the GDN.
Dr Al Nakal
“The market will include four main sections – 12 fish shops, 10 meat shops, 20 fruits and vegetables shops, nine others for local products and some for services, including a traditional café.
“Among the concerns discussed was the lack of a car park that will serve the market.
“We hope that the development of the market starts soon after waiting for many years due to different reasons, including the lack of budget which has been provided now.”
Committee member Dr Maha Al Shehab added that the adopted plan was the one which “finally meets the needs of the people in the current circumstances”.
Dr Al Shehab
“Our major suggestion included the need for ample lighting and ventilation alongside proper air-conditioning and a car park,” she told the GDN.
“We recommended a feasibility study on the possibility of incorporating a multi-storeyed car park.
“This is a much awaited project and we hope the ministry implements it soon – there are certain points that I reiterated which included the flooring of the fish and meat market.
“The floor should be tiled which is easier to clean which in turn is important for the health and hygiene of both workers and shoppers.”
The approved plan has been referred back to the ministry for further action and implementation.
The GDN earlier reported that the Manama Central Market is also set for a revamp as part of a series of public welfare projects lined up for the coming year.
Capital Municipality director-general Muhammad Saad Al Sahli, during an inspection visit to the market last month along with the Capital Trustees Board committee members, revealed that the market will feature energy-saving devices, a canopy for the loading/unloading area, asphalted pavements and renovated toilets.
The appointed board also discussed the national food security strategy and land reallocation, among other items on the agenda.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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