Uproar over dumping of fresh produce in Bahrain

Manama : A video circulating online of a group of municipality’s inspectors and workers confiscating large quantities of fruit and vegetables from street sellers and throwing them into garbage trucks, has sparked a wave of anger and condemnation among the public in Bahrain.

Several Bahrainis and expatriates have strongly criticised the authorities of the irrational method used in dealing with the confiscated food stuff.

They argue that the fruits and vegetables could have been distributed to the needy instead of being dumped into waste collection vehicles.

The 30-second footage, alleged to be filmed in Manama on Thursday, shows cleaners in uniforms removing fresh fruits and vegetables confiscated from street vendors in the presence of community police personnel.

MP Khalifa Al Ghanim posted on his Facebook page that the fruits and vegetables should be given to the needy instead of being dumped.

“Instead of throwing away these goods in waste bins, why wouldn’t the authorities distribute (them) among the needy through charity societies and mosques. I hope this matter would be looked into by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry,” he said.

No official comments were available on the matter.