Capital Municipal Council explores ways to balance safety and support for entrepreneurship
TDT | Manama
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More than 100 food trucks in Karbabad and Juffair, originally launched to support Bahrainis during the pandemic, are at the centre of concerns over safety breaches and blocked public access, as the Capital Municipal Council works to address growing violations.
The issue has grown to include abandoned vehicles, unlicensed operations, and monopolisation of public spaces, sparking frustration among residents and officials alike. Engineer Khalifa Al Kaabi, Acting Head of the Inspection and Monitoring at Capital Municipality, said the situation posed serious risks.
Dangers
“Many food trucks have become unlicensed and poorly run, lacking even basic health and safety measures,” he said. “This creates dangers not only for public safety but also for the environment in areas like Karbabad and Juffair.” In Juffair, trucks have overrun the coastal area, making it difficult for residents to access the seafront without making a purchase.
Karbabad fares no better, with up to 100 food trucks crowding its coastline, many of them operating without proper oversight. Engineer Mohammed Saad Al Sahli, Director-General of the Capital Municipality, explained that food trucks were originally a pandemic-era initiative.
Original purpose
“The aim was to provide middle-income Bahrainis with a way to earn a living while reducing contact during COVID-19,” he said. “But now, restaurants are using them to expand their businesses, and the original purpose has been lost.” Abandoned food trucks have become another problem.
“It’s hard to trace the owners because their papers are usually left inside the trucks,’” Al Sahli added. “We’ve been removing those left unused for months, but the problem keeps cropping up.”
Designated zones
Council members discussed possible solutions, with Mubarak Al Nuaimi suggesting designated zones for food trucks, similar to systems in the UAE.
“By placing them in specific areas, we can keep better track of safety and ensure proper oversight,” he said. Other members stressed the importance of striking a balance.
Honest living
“We need to manage this problem while protecting the incomes of families who depend on these trucks,” said council member Abdulhassan Yousef. “This needs to be handled carefully to avoid harming those trying to make an honest living.
” The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) reported that 445 food trucks are operating across Bahrain, many of which have been embraced by young Bahrainis. Khalid Al Amin, Chairman of the Food and Agriculture Committee, said the chamber was working to address the challenges.
Solutions
“We’re bringing together business owners and government bodies to find solutions that work for everyone,” he said. The council faces a delicate task — enforcing rules while supporting entrepreneurship. As food trucks continue to grow in number, finding a fair approach remains key to resolving the issue.
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