A group of legislators has called on the government to grant financial compensation for shop owners and traders affected by the ongoing redevelopment of the Old Muharraq Suq.
Five MPs, representing the Muharraq Governorate, led by Hamad Al Doy, submitted a proposal which was unanimously approved by Parliament yesterday.
They said the proposal followed mounting complaints from local business owners that their livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the redevelopment works in Old Muharraq.
MPs, in particular, cited the closure of vital car parks and installation of tanks in spaces previously used by customers and delivery vehicles.
Speaking on behalf of the Muharraq legislators, MP Abdulwahid Qarata criticised the manner in which the development was being carried out, saying it had done more damage than good.
He alleged that the Old Muharraq Suq was being remodelled ‘in a wrong way’.
“Rather than enhancing commerce, it is suffocating it. Shop owners are suffering. Customer footfall has dropped drastically because of the chaos and lack of parking,” he claimed.
Mr Qarata further alleged that the plan was put in place without proper consultation with stakeholders and ‘failed to preserve the cultural and commercial soul of the area’.
“Traders in this historic district have been serving their community for decades. They deserve to be protected and supported – not sidelined,” he said.
Mr Qarata and fellow MPs demanded that the government immediately assess the economic impact on affected businesses and offer compensation for their losses.
The urgent proposal, which has been forwarded to the Cabinet for review, also calls for re-evaluation of the redevelopment plan to ensure it supports traditional businesses.
Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam backed the proposal and revealed that he had personally intervened in the matter by holding talks with Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, who also serves as the elected municipal councillor for the area.
“I am working on this with Mr Al Naar and other officials to correct what has gone wrong,” Mr Al Musallam told MPs.
“We have already reached a decision to restore the old suq format and are working to convey it to government officials.”
He questioned the logic behind replacing a historically vibrant market with unfamiliar infrastructure.
“Why modernise when you already have something that is rich in culture, character and heritage?” he asked.
“Old Muharraq is not just a commercial district, it is part of Bahrain’s identity.”
Mr Al Musallam pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to push for solutions that prioritise the interests of small traders and the cultural integrity of the area.
“We are not against development,” he added, “but it must be done with wisdom and respect for history.”
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