New fees have been introduced as part of measures to regulate truck parking at Manama Central Market.
Municipal officials say the move aims to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and support the sustainability of commercial activity at one of Bahrain’s most vital wholesale hubs.
Under the new system, trucks will be charged BD10 for the first 12 hours of parking, BD2 for each additional hour, and BD50 in the event of a lost ticket.
Special parking packages are also available upon request by contacting Amakin – the government-owned company responsible for managing parking properties and facilities on behalf of public authorities.
Earlier, the fee structure was flexible, with charges determined by the type of parking space and the length of stay.
In a statement, the Capital Trustees Authority said the ‘well-considered development steps’ were intended to improve service efficiency and create a more organised operating environment for merchants and visitors.
“These measures are designed to enhance the efficiency of truck movement, loading and unloading operations, and to ensure smoother traffic flow within the market without harming commercial activity or affecting its stability,” the authority said.
It added that the new framework establishes clear mechanisms for regulating the use of truck parking areas, ensuring fair access and preventing monopolisation or misuse.
“This preserves the rights of all merchants, promotes equal opportunities and improves the overall efficiency of public facilities within the market,” the statement said.
The authority emphasised that the measure is purely organisational, intended to ease congestion caused by irregular truck stoppages that have long hindered movement within the market, particularly during peak delivery periods.
Officials also clarified that the regulation itself is not new, noting that its implementation mechanisms had previously been discussed with traders at Manama Central Market as part of an ongoing process of consultation and partnership.
Trucks parked at the market
“Merchants were briefed on the organisational objectives and the anticipated outcomes of the regulation within a framework of dialogue and co-operation,” the authority said.
The decision has not gone well among traders who claimed that the new fee could have serious consequences on the fruit and vegetable market.
Responding to concerns, the authority reiterated its commitment to continue co-ordination with merchants and relevant stakeholders, and listen to their feedback to ensure a balance between regulatory requirements and commercial sustainability.
“We remain open to observations and suggestions, and this dialogue will help refine implementation mechanisms in a way that serves the public interest and supports economic activity,” the authority said.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to taking all necessary regulatory steps to ensure that Manama Central Market continues to function as a stable and well-organised commercial centre.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk voiced support for the traders and said that the new fee should be balanced with economic realities.
“The increase is so high that it risks damaging the fruits and vegetables market,” Mr Bu Onk alleged.
“This is a sector that operates on narrow profit margins, and any sharp rise in logistics costs will ultimately be reflected in prices or supply stability. We support organisation and traffic control, but not at the expense of traders and consumers. Fees must be reasonable and proportionate,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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