Manama Central Market ‘cools down’ as Municipality back in action

TDT | Manama                                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Meat sellers in the Manama Central Market can finally heave a sigh of relief! Authorities have listened to their repeated pleas to repair the faulty air conditioners at the market that were spoiling their products and business amid the scorching summer heat for days.

The Capital Trustees Board yesterday confirmed that they are conducting urgent maintenance for 66 air conditioning units in the market. The officials said they are duty-bound to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors and sellers.

The Daily Tribune had reported the plight of the meat sellers in the market, who had no other go other than to sweat it out, as the intense heat kept on turning away buyers who moved to ‘cool’ places nearby. Officials said contractors are working to revive the machines, and temperatures will be down to normal soon.

The air conditioner units undergoing maintenance at the market have capacities ranging between 10 and 35 tonnes. The majority of them, 44 units, are in the vegetable and fruit market. Both the fish and the meat markets have 11 units each. The maintenance team will also troubleshoot 12 ventilation units along the market. Capital officials said they trusted the job to a specialised company and are waiting for positive news.

“We are also moving ahead with plans to develop and maintain the Manama Central Market considering the high volume of trade there. “There are over 487 commercial units in the market, and our efforts are to provide the highest levels of services to enhance commercial movements. Capital Trustees Board officials said they are also developing proposals for the comprehensive development of the market. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, a mutton trader thanked the media organisations in the Kingdom for highlighting the plight of workers at the meat market.

“The air-conditioning units have begun working and it’s a great relief for us. This would not have happened without the newspapers reporting on the issue.” He urged the authorities to look into the other issues including the lack of toilet facilities at the market.