Revitalising Old Manama Souq

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Ahmed Qarata, a prominent parliamentarian, expressed optimism yesterday about the swift disbursement of compensation for businesses devastated by Old Manama Souq fire as critical meetings loom.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives criticised the lack of action and half-hearted efforts in addressing the plight of store owners in the old Manama Souq, despite having allocated budgets and numerous proposals.

He said all these will be discussed during the upcoming talks with the Manama Souq Development Committee to tackle urgent issues regarding market revitalisation.

Qarata assured prompt compensation for the 75 gutted stores and pledged to prioritise revitalisation efforts.

“For years, promises were made regarding market development, committees were formed, and funds were allocated for studies and concepts, but tangible outcomes were elusive,” Qarata stated.

“Many entities neglected Bab Al Bahrain, only now showing interest after years of indifference.”

The June fire, which claimed three lives and reduced parts of the market to rubble, left several shops completely destroyed and out of business.

A market regulator described the aftermath as resembling “a graveyard” in an interview with the Daily Tribune at the time.

Qarata urged a focus on postfire recovery and delivering concrete outcomes for the Bab Al Bahrain market.

He underscored the significance of directives from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasizing a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the historic Manama Souq.

The plan aims to preserve its cultural and historical essence while addressing critical infrastructure needs, which Qarata believes will drive overdue progress.

Call for independent management body

Riyadh Al Mahrous, Chairman of the Manama Souq Development Committee, advocates for establishing an independent management body with a dedicated budget to ensure continuous development and upkeep.

Al Mahrous proposes that this budget should be funded through revenue generated from market services, such as parking fees.

He emphasizes the need to go beyond mere infrastructure and facility improvements, stressing the importance of sustainable development and preservation.

“It’s crucial to address longstanding issues like electricity overload, disorganised shops, and illegal workshops,” he asserts.

Preserving Bab Al Bahrain’s authentic Bahraini identity holds paramount importance for Al Mahrous.

“The market is a significant historical landmark. Its importance is inherent; what it truly requires is the long-awaited development,” he remarks.

Al Mahrous underscores that while infrastructure and amenities are vital, they must be backed by a sustainable management framework.

“We must establish a robust institutional structure to ensure ongoing service continuity,” he insists. He suggests empowering an independent management body tasked with overseeing market administration.

This body would manage a dedicated financial fund sourced from revenue generated by existing market facilities like parking lots and service centers, earmarked for development and regular maintenance.

Al Mahrous urges the Capital Governorate to spearhead market development efforts.

He expresses concern over current practices where certain entities benefit from market revenues, particularly parking fees, without contributing to its upkeep