The news about signing of contracts for building central markets in Umm Salal, Al Sailiyah and Al Wakra is wonderful.
This project aims to make life easier for people in the above areas by providing them items of daily use locally, obviating the need for them to travel long distances, and relieving pressure on the existing central markets.
Our relationship with the existing central markets has been one of good and bad experiences. Many times we have publicly asked government agencies to have mercy on those living near the markets, who have to tolerate unpleasant smells and waste produced by the markets.
The delay in moving the central markets is due to the slackness of Widam company, whose timid requests in this regard are ignored.
Therefore, no one has considered relocating the markets, even as the local inhabitants have kept complaining about the obnoxious odours that afflict them.
The odours from the fish market mix with the smell of fuel from the nearby Woqod station to create a unique “fragrance” that people in the neighbourhood are forced to savour every day, especially on rainy or humid days.
Widam (hooves) changed its name to Mawashi (livestock), but did nothing to improve its services.
Suddenly, the project to build new central markets was announced, keeping in view rapid demographic changes in various parts of the country, but the existing central markets are not on anyone’s mind.
We are challenged by the odours emanating from Widam and Woqod’s huge tankers. These repugnant smells are so strong that they are hard to miss, and they pollute the air and cause chills.
If the project for new central markets is meant to fulfil the needs of citizens and residents, would it not be good for the national plan to include the removal of the old markets to alleviate the suffering of the locals, who have been assailed by their foul odours for years?
The livestock market not only produces unpleasant odours but also poses a health risk, as it causes the spread of insects and rodents.
Yet, there seems to be no prospect of the current central markets being moved away from residential areas.
Take care!
