Bulldozers will demolish one of Bahrain’s oldest central markets in the second half of this year as part of a massive renovation plan, the GDN has learned.
Nearly 100 traders at the Jidhafs Central Market will soon be relocated to a nearby site as the necessary funding has finally been allocated for the derelict facility to undergo a facelift.
Rundown properties, disorganised and chaotic sections, unhygienic conditions, inaccessible parking and rodent infestation are just some of the complaints bought forward by traders who operate at the second largest central market in the country.
Traders have also claimed the market has become a magnet for illegal traders, prompting complaints of traffic congestion and a number of raids.
Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told the GDN in an exclusive interview that the preliminary blueprints for the new market have been sent to the Capital Trustees Board for review.
He revealed that the one-storey market will be tendered once final approvals are given, with work expected to take up to 14 months.
“We have taken into account space for all of the traders, whether those situated inside or outdoors, within the one-storey market that will replace the existing one,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“Work is set to begin to relocate the traders to a nearby location, as we demolish the derelict facility and build the new one within 14 months (following approvals).
“Preliminary blueprints have been completed and have been referred to the Capital Trustees Board to view, and we are expecting work to begin in the second half of this year.”
It comes after the Cabinet gave approval to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to go ahead with the project and start work on necessary arrangements to relocate the traders.
According to initial sketches of the market presented to the board in November, there are five sections; the fish section will feature 15 stalls for selling and five for cleaning, while the meat and poultry section will have 14 butcheries and two poultry stalls.
The fruit and vegetables area will feature 17 stalls each for both fruit and vegetable sellers and the local products department will have 15 stalls.
The services area will include a traditional coffee shop, in addition to security and management offices.
“The current market is in a derelict state and the approval of the project, following years of waiting, is a good step,” said board chairman Saleh Tarradah.
“However, the location’s use could be optimised and in the plans I believe it is not.
“We don’t want to end up, 10 years from now, considering another approach for the market, which we could have done now while saving huge sums of money and time.”
In July last year, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa ordered the ministry to conduct immediate maintenance work and look into development plans for the market.
In 2018, maintenance of three toilets at the market was completed at a cost of BD2,900, while fans and lamps were also added and related electrical works carried out.
A side building was also demolished to accommodate more vending stalls and the aluminium barrier removed to improve lighting and ventilation besides carrying out maintenance to the roof.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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