Parliamentary Concerns Mount Over Conditions at Manama Central Market

TDT | Manama

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During the seventeenth ordinary session of the Council of Representatives, held within the fourth ordinary annual term of the sixth legislative session, the condition of Manama Central Market emerged as a key point of parliamentary concern, with members warning that prolonged neglect was undermining both economic activity and cultural heritage.

Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata described the market as facing severe infrastructural and service related deficiencies that had rendered it largely unfit for efficient operation or movement. He pointed to the absence of essential facilities, including designated truck parking areas and unloading zones, noting that these shortcomings continued to disrupt daily commercial activity and accessibility.

Qarata stated that the market had for years suffered from persistent failures in air conditioning systems, declining standards of cleanliness, and recurring sewage problems. He argued that such conditions were inconsistent with the market’s historical status as one of the oldest markets in the Gulf region, comprising more than twenty subsidiary markets. He further noted that repeated directives had been issued at the highest levels to develop and rehabilitate the market, yet tangible improvements remained absent on the ground.

The Second Deputy Speaker also drew attention to the difficulties faced by Bahraini craftsmen operating within the market. He stressed that more than thirty traditional crafts required little more than suitable premises to support tourism and preserve national heritage. Qarata criticised the removal of shops following a fire incident without consultation with their owners, while fees continued to be collected despite deteriorating conditions.

These concerns echoed earlier remarks by MP Jalila Al Alawi, who highlighted the excessive presence of foreign labour within Manama Market and the prevalence of violations linked to residency and commercial practices. She warned that regulatory measures appeared to disproportionately affect compliant foreign workers, while illegal labour continued to operate with limited deterrence. Al Alawi criticised inspection campaigns driven by temporary media attention rather than sustained enforcement, cautioning that unresolved violations would inevitably resurface.

Together, the interventions underscored the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to Manama Central Market, one that addresses infrastructure, regulation, and heritage preservation simultaneously. Members stressed that revitalising the market was not solely a service issue, but a strategic priority linked to economic sustainability, tourism development, and the protection of Bahrain’s traditional urban identity.