2,203 stalls and carts seized in street trade raids

TDT | Manama

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Authorities seized 2,203 stalls and carts from street vendors across the Capital Governorate last year as part of a year-long effort to clear pavements and junctions in crowded districts.

From January through December 2024, the Capital Municipality carried out 268 seizures.

Each involved temporary setups such as trolleys, carts and mats spread across public walkways.

Inspections are carried out daily in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and other bodies.

Public roads

These actions follow the 2019 law on the use of public roads, which bars unauthorised trading in such spaces.

The municipality urged traders to use licensed outlets, saying activity outside these channels risks public health and blocks movement in already tight streets.

It pointed to concerns over food sold in open air without checks, and how stalls spilling onto roads and footpaths have slowed traffic and made walking harder, especially at busy crossings.

Most of the seizures took place in known trouble spots including Shaikh Hamad Avenue, Sa’sa’ah Avenue, Shaikh Abdulla Avenue, Imam Hussain Avenue, Zubara Avenue and Bab Al Bahrain Avenue.

Campaign

The first campaign of 2025, carried out in January, led to 20 more seizures.

A total of 152 mats and 47 carts were removed from residential and commercial areas.

The municipality said its work would continue, with further checks expected through the year.

It added that talks are ongoing to find other ways for traders to operate lawfully without clogging roads or walkways.