Green light for suq renovations

MANAMA
BUSINESSMEN in the Manama suq have finally agreed to make way so that renovations to the area can start, it was revealed yesterday.
Work on first phase of renovation, costing BD3.64 million, is now due to begin on November 1.
It has been delayed because traders refused to move out of their premises due to a dispute over terms.
However, an agreement was reached on Tuesday after they received guarantees that they will be allowed to return once work is finished.
Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Ali Al Saleh signed an agreement yesterday with Bokhowa Contracting chairman Hassan Abdulla Bokhowa at a ceremony in Bab Al Bahrain.
Mr Al Saleh said that developing the suq would also refurbish the economy and tourism of the country.
"Developing the suq is based on directives from Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, after a visit a few years back, to have it standing on its feet again and encouraging locals and visitors to go there," he said.
"The suq will now have facilities that it has been missing, but without its old shape being affected.
"One of those problems is car parking, which will now be solved with the construction of multi-storey car parks ready to accommodate up to 580 cars."
He said that the ministry was studying proposals to set up a new authority to supervise the suq and come up with strategies to develop it further.
"We are also co-ordinating with the concerned government authorities to ensure that there are no traffic jams during work, especially with the suq's location at the heart of Manama," said Mr Al Saleh.
"I am very happy with the response from tenants who have pledged to give every support possible for the project to go ahead without any hurdles."
Ministry Under-Secretary for Municipal Affairs Dr Juma Al Ka'abi said the introduction of malls to the Bahraini community has reduced visitors the old suq, which is unable to match their facilities.
"This is why we have formed a higher committee to develop the suq, taking into consideration trader's and visitor's demands," he said.
"The suq will be developed in two phases. The first, which we have proudly signed, is expected to end in 18 months and the next will start shortly afterwards."
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) representative on the committee, Jawad Al Hawaj, hoped the suq's development would be up to expectations - both those of traders and customers.
Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla praised the project, saying it would ensure a Bahrain landmark gets the attention it deserves.