Bahrain to take action against people responsible for 'fresh food dump'

Manama : In the latest development in the “disposal of fresh fruits and vegetables in Manama” issue, which raised huge controversy in Bahrain last week, a senior official reaffirmed the necessity of holding the people involved responsible for their actions.

Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry said in a press statement yesterday, “Following directives from the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Director-General of the Capital Trustees Board has been directed to take necessary action against those who confiscated fruits and vegetables from illegal street vendors and threw them in a landfill.”

The statement added that the Capital Trustees Board will take immediate action "to ensure the non-recurrence of the incident and hold those behind it accountable.”

He vowed that efforts to clamp down on illegal street vendors will continue to ensure that roads are not occupied except in accordance with the law.

Khalaf’s statements came a day after the Premier directed the ministry to verify the incident to hold those responsible administratively accountable if it actually happened. The Prime Minister also directed to ensure its non-recurrence as it is not consistent with the need to conserve Allah Almighty’s blessings.

Prince Khalifa had also stressed the need to intensify inspection campaigns to clamp down on street vendors who violate laws and regulations, in addition to paying more attention to ensure the cleanliness of markets.

The Premier’s instructions came after a footage was uploaded online and widely circulated in local social networks, showing cleaners working under the municipalities disposing off fresh fruits and vegetables allegedly confiscated from illegal street vendors.

The act was highly condemned by scores of citizens and MPs.