Roadside vendors take over Gudaibiya streets

Manama : Roadside shops dotting the streets of the Capital city, particularly the extension areas of Gudaibiya, are causing nuisance to commuters and spoiling the scenic beauty of the metropolis, a DT News investigation has revealed.

Though the authorities have taken action against these encroachments and obstructions, they are resurfacing again, gradually converting their makeshifts into permanent structures.

Some of these roadside vendors, who usually sell electronic gadgets, fruits and vegetables, textiles or cosmetics, have extended their carts onto the footpath. This ostensibly squeezes the streets, making it difficult for pedestrians and motorists to move along.

Passersby, who browse at these street-side shops, also block the road as they too are least bothered about the ongoing traffic. This is likely to cause traffic congestion and even accidents, considering the narrow space left for commuters.

Some of the inhabitants of Gudaibiya have urged the concerned authorities to ban street vendors, citing unnecessary disorderliness and traffic snarls that perennially clog the locality.

However, the streets vendors, who eke out their livelihood on roads, said it is unfair to ban them.