BD800,000 to develop Manama Central Market

Manama : Manama Central Market will soon get a face-lift with the government allocating BD800,000 for developing the shopping destination, DT News has learnt.

The old souk is one of the main shopping destinations in the capital that includes four central markets selling chicken, meat, fish and vegetables.

During a field visit conducted yesterday, Capital General Secretariat General Director Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa announced that the market will soon have new services such as thermal insulation and air-conditioning.

While speaking to the traders in the market, Shaikh Mohammed confirmed that the secretariat will install aqueous thermal insulator (coating) on the roof tops of the different sections of the market and the nearby Lulu Centre starting this month. He said the coating will reduce temperature during summer and maintain a cool atmosphere for vendors and customers, in addition to fixing air-conditioners at some parts of the market.

The official also revealed that the lighting systems at the market will be replaced by LED systems, which will reduce energy consumption by 10-15 per cent.

According to Shaikh Mohammed, the development plan includes regulating the vendors at the market and combat the illegal employment phenomenon at it, in cooperation with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

Commenting about the recently increasing complaints regarding the hygienic situations at the market, Shaikh Mohammed affirmed that the secretariat is cooperating with Health Ministry to monitor the market and the merchandise displayed at it. He also said that the authorities will tackle the trucks parked for long periods at the market and bother shoppers and traders.

The General Director called upon the public to submit any remarks or complaints with regard to Manama Central Market Markets Maintenance and Regulation Department on 17240500, the secretariat’s hotline on 80001855 or through the National Suggestion and Complaint system “Tawasul”.