Manama Central Market to move to bigger and more convenient site, says Municipalities Minister

TDT | Manama

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Manama Central Market is set to be relocated to a larger site, with plans already in motion to tackle long-standing issues of space, truck congestion, and upkeep.

“There’s no way around it – the market needs a new home,” said the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, during Parliament’s session yesterday. “We’ve picked a site, but this isn’t just about moving stalls and setting up shop elsewhere. A proper plan is needed to make sure it works in the long run.”

The current market, he noted, has been patched up over the years with air conditioning units and maintenance work.

“We’ve done what we can to improve it, but it’s not enough. The best way forward is to move it altogether,” he said.

Truck access

One of the thorniest issues is truck access.

“Every day, between 80 and 120 trucks roll in,” he said. “We’re tracking the problem with Amaken Company and looking at stopgap fixes, but the real fix is shifting the market to a better location.”

Al Mubarak also made it clear that enforcement efforts would not ease up.

Bad practices

“Market inspectors will stay on the job to crack down on bad practices,” he said.

The move is being coordinated with the Urban Planning and Development Authority, with oversight from the ministerial committee for infrastructure projects.

The groundwork has been laid, but turning the plan into reality will take time.