Ahmad Al-Afifi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Al-Nakasa market in Makkah has become a chaotic trading post, selling meat and fish from unknown sources. The market, which is one of the oldest in the holy city, has many untidy stalls manned by expatriate workers. Exposed meat and fish, in addition to running sewage, are a source of unpleasant and unbearable stench in the neighborhood. Residents, tired of the chaotic conditions, have called for the intervention of concerned bodies to deal with the problem. Saleh Al-Fahmi said the market sells products and items rarely found elsewhere. He said he comes to the market once a month for such items and because of the low prices in the market.
Al-Fahmi said low income residents are regular customers at the market, which normally is very crowded during weekends.
“The customers do not worry about the source of the products, as what attracts to them is the low pricing.” Al-Fahmi pointed out that many expatriates have taken advantage of the lack of monitoring by the authorities and sell fish from unknown sources. He said he could barely walk by some stalls due to the foul odor. He said these expatriate workers lure customers by claiming that the fish they sell at low prices come from Jeddah and are fresh. Mousa Al-Qethami said the situation in the market has become unbearable. “In addition to the many dubious items they sell, various herbal cures, which are not certified by the authorities, are sold in the market,” said Al-Qethami. He said the food in the stalls are exposed and surrounded by swarms of flies and other insects. He pointed out that the market is full of violations and the meat, fish, fruit and vegetables sold in the market are not suitable for human consumption. “Such foods can be a source of diseases and the authorities should act immediately,” said Al-Qethami. Abdulsamee Khan, one of the oldest traders in the market, said the market specializes in cheap products of all kinds. When asked about the violations, he smiled and said: “There are none.” A source at the Makkah Municipality said municipal inspectors conduct continuous field inspection rounds and seize any foodstuff from unknown sources.
