(MENAFN- Arab Times) Many citizens lamented the spread of groceries and convenient shops (bakala) in the middle of private residential areas that constitute nuisance to the neighborhood, while the owners of shops openly challenge the law despite raising the prices of products compared to the cooperative societies.
In an investigative report, several citizens urged concerned authorities to close the shops due to illegality of the enterprise and the fact that everyone should abide by law without exception.
A citizen known as Abu Abdullah said the spread of convenient shops has become a normal phenomenon in private residential areas, and if the owners felt any legal consequences for their actions, they wouldn't have dared to open such shops.
Another citizen, Ayed Al-Mutairi pointed out that bakala is a source of nuisance to the neighborhood, and they even sell expired products to the consumers sometimes (expired sweets to children in particular) due to lack of monitoring, while the owners operate as if they are above the law.
Abu Ali stressed the problem is not only with bakala, indicating it is normal to see carpentry shops in neighborhoods. He noted the presence of bakala in private residential areas reflects the absence of implementation of law, while the shops tarnish the image of private houses.
Slackness
Abu Ali continued that slackness of the municipality is the main cause of the uncivilized phenomenon, despite the fact that numerous complaints have been filed against the shops by citizens. He said the shops form a meeting place for the youth as they sell cigarettes to underage children.
Mohsin Al-Aneizi called upon the Municipality and its relevant departments to close down all bakalas, laundries and carpentries in residential areas for breaking the law, even if some of the owners of shops are well connected.
He pointed out that the shops are operating without oversight to the point of repacking and selling subsidized food to the public.
Also, Hamid Al-Kandari affirmed that no one would dare open such shops in areas close to the capital city, stressing the farther the area from the capital the more violations are found, adding "it is not strange to find small restaurants in private residential areas, although it's a direct breach of law and nothing seems to be done to end the illegal and uncivilized phenomenon".
Another citizen named Nayef Al-Jaber indicated the establishment of bakalas, laundry and carpentry are not the only violations committed in private residential areas. Instead, there are other violations such as buildings that exceed the legal height in terms of floors, spread of mobile groceries and neglected vehicles.
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