Keep off the road

Councils enforce ban on vendorsHanna GeorgeContributorMunicipal Councils mean business. They would not put public health at stake.Health inspectors from the Central and Manama municipal councils are enforcing the ban on the sale of fruit and vegetables on roads – with an iron hand.The other day, officials from the Manama Council raided a vendor on the Sacred Heart Church road. They seized the fruit and vegetables and hauled the vendor into a van and took him to the headquarters for questioning.Sale of fruit and vegetables on roads, near junctions is becoming a major problem in the Central and Manama council areas. The vendors can be seen near the streets, adding to traffic chaos in busy areas such as the Sacred Heart Church road, for example. What adds to the problem is commotion as customers take their own time to purchase foodstuff from the street vendors. Siobhan Saleem, who has witnessed the frequent disorder on the road said, “It is now an everyday hassle to pass through the road. Vendors crowd the area and customers stop by at every corner, bringing the traffic flow to a standstill. The vendors are adamant. They refuse to move, arguing that for most of them it is the only means of livelihood. Hussain Rabah, who lives in central Manama, told the Tribune, “I earn my livelihood from selling fruit and vegetables on the street. I cannot afford to rent a stall at the Central Market.” Abbas Mafoodh, vice-chairman of the Central Municipal Council, said, “Trading on the street has been banned by the municipal councils, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Health. Most of the vendors keep their stuff uncovered, which remains exposed to the sun. Add the unhygienic surroundings and the foodstuff may not be fit for human consumption.“All food outlets and commodities should be checked by ministry officials before sale to ensure that the items are fit for human consumption.”