Shop owners in Manama’s old souq are facing challenges after a devastating fire, leading to lost income and ongoing rent and utility payments, according to MPs. The fire not only destroyed a piece of Manama’s history but also caused millions of dinars in damages, affecting numerous businesses. Lawmakers are calling for the government to quickly compensate affected shop owners to help them recover from their financial losses.
MP Ahmed Qarata, along with the Old Souq Development Committee, is leading efforts to secure compensation for the affected shop owners. A meeting has been scheduled to assess the damages and submit a detailed report. Qarata emphasized the financial burden on shop owners who are still required to pay rent and bills despite their loss of income. Mahmood Al Namilty, Vice Chairman of the Manama Souq Development Committee, stressed the need for comprehensive compensation, including financial support and bill waivers until businesses can resume operations.
Riyadh Al Mahroos, another committee member, echoed the need for swift action to provide assistance to the affected shop owners. MP Ahmed Al Saloom, head of the Strategic Thinking Bloc, is advocating for rigorous building inspections following the fire. He is urging the government to conduct thorough checks in densely populated areas to ensure electrical safety and prevent future tragedies. Al Saloom described Manama as a “ticking time bomb” and emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to prevent future disasters.
In addition to compensation for affected shop owners, lawmakers are pushing for comprehensive safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Al Saloom stressed the importance of thorough inspections not only focusing on illegal workers and expired IDs but also on critical safety conditions. He is calling for proactive measures to address potential risks and ensure the safety of businesses and residents in Manama’s old souq. With ongoing efforts from MPs and committees, there is hope for support and protection for shop owners in Manama as they work towards recovery after the devastating fire.
Overall, the aftermath of the fire in Manama’s old souq has brought attention to the need for financial assistance and safety measures for affected shop owners. The government is being urged to take immediate action to compensate the businesses that have suffered losses and to implement thorough inspections to prevent future tragedies. With MPs and committees working towards these goals, there is a growing focus on supporting and protecting the businesses in Manama’s historic souq as they navigate the challenges presented by the fire. By prioritizing compensation and safety measures, there is hope for a brighter future for the affected shop owners and the community as a whole.
