Muharraq market revamp on the anvil

Manama : Final procedures are being settled to commence revamps at one of the oldest markets in the country, it has been officially announced yesterday.

A budget of BD5 million has been set to give Muharraq Central Market a facelift that will include introducing a package of new services and facilities at the old market.

Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said in a press statement yesterday that the Ministry was finalising formalities in cooperation with Finance Ministry and the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission ahead of commencing works.

“This project will introduce a contemporary commercial market that would be constructed in accordance with the highest construction standards and developed urban patterns. Created on a 9800 square metres space, the market will be air-conditioned and includes many facilities that will serve citizens and residents and will attract investors,” the Minister explained.

However, the Minister mentioned that protests by some of the traders and shop owners against the removal of their old shops had delayed the project. 

Minister Khalaf said, “The Ministry chose to solve the issue through legal channels, after exhausting all available options to convince the traders of moving out. The Supreme Court eventually ordered for the removal of the shops. Muharraq Municipality would be updated by the Ministry about the verdict to take necessary action before the commencement of works.”

The Minister also reiterated that the Ministry provided an alternative market that consists of more than 70 shops while the developmental works are completed. 

The temporary market will also include outlets selling fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, besides coffee shops and restaurants.