Jidhafs Central Market will emerge with ‘a new look worthy of its service role’, following redevelopment work expected to be completed in the early months of next year, revealed Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
“The market is being given special attention, and a comprehensive development plan has been prepared to transform it into an organised and clean facility that serves vendors, shoppers and nearby residents,” Shaikh Mohammed told Parliament.
He said extensive maintenance works are scheduled to begin this year, covering internal and external repairs, electrical upgrades and infrastructure modernisation to improve the overall market environment.
He revealed that around 90 per cent of existing commercial activities at the market have already had their legal status regularised, with efforts continuing to address the remaining cases in co-ordination with relevant parties.
Addressing concerns over the removal of some stalls, Shaikh Mohammed stressed that ‘this is not a final removal’ but part of an organisational process that takes safety and environmental requirements into account, particularly given the market’s location on a busy main road.
“The vendors are partners in the development process,” he said, adding that the ministry is keen to involve stallholders and tradespeople at every stage, while also resolving challenges related to walkways and entry and exit points through practical solutions.
Any works not completed in the current phase, he added, will be implemented in subsequent stages in line with the approved plan.
The assurances came during discussions on a related proposal, which focuses on the future of Jidhafs Market and the situation of vendors operating there.
Parliament’s services committee chairman MP Mamdooh Al Saleh described the proposal as ‘important and necessary’.
Mr Al Saleh said the proposal aims to halt removal orders issued against vendors at Jidhafs Central Market, arguing that the site remains currently unfit for full commercial activity.
“The market lacks parking spaces, adequate sanitation facilities and proper organisation,” he claimed.
“There are also clear shortcomings in air conditioning, lighting and ventilation.”
He pointed out that most vendors work under harsh conditions, without storage facilities, particularly during the summer months.
“Removing vendors without providing alternatives is illogical,” he said, calling for a realistic approach that includes field visits and detailed studies.
Mr Al Saleh suggested making use of abandoned government sites as alternative markets, in a way that protects vendors’ livelihoods while continuing to serve shoppers.
He also voiced broader concerns over Manama Central Market, alleging ‘unregulated concentrations of foreign labour’.
“The solution lies in intensified oversight and a comprehensive treatment of illegal labour and housing violations, away from temporary fixes,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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