Unlicensed stalls demolished
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
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The Manama Municipal Council demolished several vegetable, fruit, and fish stalls in Jidhafs Market for operating without the necessary licenses.
The action followed a threeday notice period given to stall owners. The affected stalls were located in the northern section of the market, bordering the street leading towards the gold souq.
According to a notice sent to the stall owners, the demolition was justified due to the stalls’ hazardous location adjacent to the street and their lack of legal permits.
The demolition has sparked strong reactions from vendors, who expressed anger and frustration at the municipality’s actions.
They claim the demolition caused significant damage to their property and are demanding compensation for their losses.
They are also calling on the Minister of Municipalities to intervene and resolve the issue, ensuring their rights are protected and working conditions in the market are improved.
Abdulkarim Taher, a vendor who has worked in the market for over 35 years, described the municipality’s approach as abrupt and unexpected.
He stated that while the municipality usually issues warnings before removing stalls, the three-day notice was insufficient, leading to the loss of some belongings during the hasty relocation. He echoed the calls for compensation.
Radhi Abu Hamed, owner of another affected stall, expressed his dismay over the demolition of his stall, valued at approximately BD5,000. He criticised the short notice period, highlighting his 39 years of operating in the market without incident. The controversy also extends beyond the vendors.
Abdulali Al Fardan, a market visitor, called for fair regulation of Jidhafs Market, pointing out the disparity between the well-managed stalls within the market’s interior, run by the Jidhafs Association, and the chaotic conditions in the outer area, characterised by unsanitary conditions and rodent infestations.
He urged the Ministry of Municipalities to improve maintenance and implement comprehensive market regulations for the safety of both vendors and visitors.
Seyed Saeed, a 50-year veteran of Jidhafs Market, voiced his concerns over the municipality’s methods and highlighted the hardship the demolition caused, impacting his livelihood and access to essential tools.
He also advocated for a solution that reorganizes the market rather than simply removing stalls.
Meanwhile, Abdulhussein Al Kuwaitan questioned the timing of the demolition, noting the market’s stability for the past four years. He stressed the need for a more measured approach to the situation.
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