The Manama Municipal Council recently demolished several vegetable, fruit, and fish stalls in Jidhafs Market for operating without the necessary licenses. The decision came after a three-day notice period given to stall owners, citing the hazardous location of the stalls adjacent to the street and their lack of legal permits. This action has provoked strong reactions from vendors who are demanding compensation for their losses and calling on the Minister of Municipalities to intervene. Abdulkarim Taher, a vendor with over 35 years of experience, criticized the abrupt and unexpected approach taken by the municipality and called for fair compensation for his losses.
Radhi Abu Hamed, another affected stall owner, expressed disappointment over the demolition of his stall valued at approximately BD5,000. He highlighted the short notice period given and emphasized his 39 years of incident-free operation in the market. The controversy surrounding the demolition also extends to market visitors, with Abdulali Al Fardan calling for fair regulation of Jidhafs Market. He pointed out the difference between well-managed stalls within the market’s interior and the chaotic conditions in the outer area, urging the Ministry of Municipalities to improve maintenance and implement comprehensive market regulations for the safety of vendors and visitors.
Seyed Saeed, a 50-year veteran of Jidhafs Market, expressed concerns over the municipality’s methods and the impact of the demolition on his livelihood. He advocated for a solution that reorganizes the market rather than simply removing stalls. Similarly, Abdulhussein Al Kuwaitan questioned the timing of the demolition, noting the market’s stability over the past four years. He emphasized the need for a more measured approach to the situation to ensure the rights of the vendors are protected and working conditions in the market are improved. The vendors are hoping for a resolution that addresses their grievances and maintains their livelihoods.
The demolition at Jidhafs Market has raised questions about the management and regulations of the market, with vendors and visitors alike expressing their concerns. The vendors have faced significant financial losses due to the demolition, leading to calls for compensation and intervention from the Minister of Municipalities. The timing and approach of the municipality’s actions have been criticized for being abrupt and unexpected, causing hardship and disrupting the livelihoods of long-standing vendors in the market. There is a growing consensus among stakeholders for a more organized and fair approach to reorganizing the market and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those involved in its operation.
The disparity between well-managed stalls inside Jidhafs Market and the chaotic conditions in the outer area has highlighted the need for comprehensive market regulations and improvements in maintenance. Market visitors like Abdulali Al Fardan have called for a fair system that ensures the cleanliness and safety of the market for both vendors and visitors. The demolition has disrupted the daily operations of vendors like Seyed Saeed, who are now facing challenges in accessing essential tools and maintaining their livelihoods. Moving forward, there is a growing consensus on the need for a more consultative and organized approach to addressing the issues at Jidhafs Market and ensuring the rights and well-being of all stakeholders are protected.
In conclusion, the recent demolition of stalls at Jidhafs Market in Manama has sparked a wave of reactions from vendors and visitors alike. The abrupt action taken by the municipality has been met with criticism for its impact on the livelihoods of vendors and the overall operations of the market. Calls for compensation, intervention from the Minister of Municipalities, and improved regulations have emerged as key themes in the discussions surrounding the market’s management. Moving forward, stakeholders are advocating for a more organized and fair approach that ensures the safety, cleanliness, and viability of Jidhafs Market for all those involved.
