Okaz/Saudi Gazette QATIF – Many salesmen have abandoned the central fish market in Qatif, one of the largest in the Middle East, as a result of its poor maintenance. At least 69 stalls in the market remain unoccupied. "At present there are only 40 salesmen," said Mohammed Mahishi while urging the municipality to renovate the market and ensure its regular maintenance to attract customers. Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, he said the growing number of street vendors has contributed to reducing customers at the fish market. "The municipality should move quickly to strengthen the market." Mahishi emphasized the need for regular maintenance. "Lack of maintenance is the main reason for many sellers and customers to abandon the market," he explained. He described Qatif fish market as one of the biggest in the Middle East. "The municipality has to allocate a permanent budget for its maintenance without fail," he added. Munir Al-Tareekh also spoke about the market's poor condition, adding that a lack of maintenance has damaged the building and its electricity cables. "A lack of basic services has forced sellers to abandon their stalls." He said the sellers pay SR2,000 annually to the municipality in fees. "Why should we pay this amount if the municipality is reluctant to provide the necessary maintenance services," he asked. Ali Bin Dhahir, another seller, urged the municipality to meet the requirements of sellers as quickly as possible to boost the market and ensure its protection from heavy rains and sandstorms. Bin Dhahir stressed the need to prevent expat workers from dominating the market. "These workers bring fish from different regions and sell them at high prices. They also supply fish to restaurants with the support of agents. Measures should be taken to stop their unfair practices," he added. Qatif Municipality Chairman Ziyad Mogharbil said his organization was giving utmost importance to the fish market. "Our team continuously supervises the market to prevent any discrepancies," he pointed out. "We clean the market daily and spray pesticides. We have allocated a special budget for the market's maintenance. We are in the process of building a new central fish market, which would solve all existing problems and meet growing requirements," he pointed out. Meanwhile, people of Touba and Al-Jesh villages in Qatif have called upon the authorities to implement various development projects to meet their basic needs. "We need asphalting of streets across Touba village and strengthening of power supply," said Saeed Al-Bahrani while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Zaki Al-Ali called for the establishment of playgrounds and parks, planting of trees and setting up of street lights across Touba. "The municipality must prevent dumping of construction waste in residential areas." Eissa Al-Sabae criticized the municipality for not meeting requirements of Al-Jesh villagers. Municipality Chairman Mogharbil expressed his desire to establish continuous contacts with citizens in Touba and Al-Jesh to meet their requirements.
