A BD1.45 million ($3.78 million) project has been launched to improve facilities at a central market in Bahrain, which will feature a modern shopping centre and separated sections for meat, fruit and vegetables and fish.

It will also include a special area for productive families, a Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) office and a recycling point

Demolition work at the Muharraq central market is expected to get underway early next year after the Muharraq Municipal Council was given the green light from the government and the project is expected to take around two years to complete.

Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulnasser Al Mahmeed welcomed the plan, but said measures must be taken to ensure traders do not lose money while the market is being revamped.

"All I care about is that those merchants don't lose their source of income because if they do I will hold whoever is responsible accountable," he said.

"There should be an additional budget for the temporary relocation problem, which I believe is solvable, if real planning is done from now."

Al Mahmeed said some residents had demanded the market be knocked down and the space utilised for a BD8.4 million housing project already underway nearby.

"It would be wrong to change (the market) from its current strategic location in the heart of Muharraq that everyone has easy access to," he said.

"Maybe, in a few years' time, we could build another central market that is in another location, but current studies show that the presence of only one market gives it more importance and emphasis."
Al Mahmeed said the market had only undergone minor renovation in its 35 years.

"This is why it doesn't have proper drainage systems and has foul smells. Its facilities are dirty and stained because proper hygienic and clean methods are not being used despite the derelict nature of the place," he said.

"There are not enough restrooms and the current toilets are filthy due to negligence and improper usage,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service