Who will bridle Manama’s illegal street vendors?

Persistent illegal sellers based in Manama keep coming back to set up an illegal produce market at Sa’sa’h Bin Souhan Road despite being driven off and warned many times, it emerged. The men who sell produce illegally at the crowded roadside in Manama have been driven off many times but keep returning, said Manama municipal council Chairman Mohammed Al Khozaee.

He said that the council has repeatedly attempted to dissuade the group from returning, even warning them of further legal action. The threats seem to have gone in vain as the sellers seem not wary of any legal ramifications of their actions as they return each time after they are warned, he said.

According to sources, the fruits and vegetables are sold at the illegal market for cheap. “They are sold by piece and not by weight. They are not known to follow the regulations. The cleanliness and hygiene of these items are also concerning,” the source said.

According to Al Khozaee, the Municipal Council is unable to take further actions such as detaining the workers or checking their legal status as only LMRA and the Ministry of Interior has been authorised do so. The council is working closely with the LMRA and the ministry to ensure that the situation is brought under control, he told Tribune.