(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Saham Municipal Council members recently visited an upcoming new market in Saham and an under-construction souq. While the new market will sell fruits, vegetables, fish and livestock, the souq will offer traditional Omani craft items.
The members said that they are aware of the problems facing dealers and residents who have been left in lurch due to the absence of a souq since the old one was demolished. They said the opening of the two markets are on the priority list of the council. Ahmad al Fazari, a Municipal Council member, said that the members have seen the site and based on it will make recommendations to improve facilities in the new market.
'We will make recommendations to equip the new market with more facilities. The souq is under construction and will have 96 shops.' Another member, Rashid al Breiki, said the new market is almost complete, but there is still scope for improvement. He ruled out reports of handing over the operations to an investment company and that members are unanimous on the issue. 'Saham residents have the right to run the market. We will try and offer support to the people so that they can operate on their own.'
Ibrahim al Shuhi, a member also affirmed that roping in an investment company to operate the market was ruled out. 'This proposal will not be approved by the Municipal Council members. The market will be set up under the supervision of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.'
Elaborating on the importance of the market, Naser al Farsi, a member said that Saham residents are eagerly waiting for the market. He said that though the new market is well-prepared to stock vegetables, fruits , fish and livestock, it still lacks facilities such as AC, parkings slots and a mosque.
Shuhi said that all recommendations will be put forward to the municipal affairs committee of Saham. 'Presided over by H E Ali al Busaidi, Wali of Saham the committee has been set up to discuss the needs of residents so that a new mechanism for running the market can be worked on. It will also discuss the issue of providing compensation to those affected by the demolition of the old market.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.