Vendors relocated from historic Abu Al-Khasib market amid safety concerns, space constraints

BASRA — Abu Al-Khasib’s historic market is undergoing a forced reorganization as district authorities relocate dozens of informal vendors due to population growth and safety hazards, prompting mixed reactions from local sellers.

District Mayor Basim Khalaf told 964media that the century-old market, located in the Lubani area, was no longer capable of accommodating the growing number of unlicensed stalls that have proliferated alongside the district’s population, which has more than doubled since 2003 to nearly 400,000 residents.

“Abu Al-Khasib Market is one of the oldest markets in the area and once served residents comfortably,” Khalaf said. “But with rapid population growth and the area becoming a commercial hub, the number of informal stalls and shops increased randomly, affecting public safety.”

Citing a directive from Civil Defense, Khalaf said the stalls were obstructing access for emergency vehicles. “The letter stated that the stalls were blocking ambulance and fire truck access, so we designated a temporary alternative market. It’s simple for now, but we have a near-term plan for a full project with proper infrastructure, electricity, and water.”

The new site allocates about 1.5 meters per vendor, with room for 120 to 127 stalls. It is a number Khalaf said is sufficient to absorb all unlicensed sellers.

Despite the municipality’s justification, some vendors said the temporary location is inadequate, particularly for fish sellers.

“This street has been our place for 35 to 40 years,” said fish vendor Hashim Abdul-Samad. “It was originally designated for fish, vegetable, and butcher sellers, and it’s not used for traffic.”

While he said vendors were not rejecting the new site outright, Abdul-Samad argued it doesn’t meet their needs. “If the authorities want a real solution, they should allow us to return to the old municipal market and build a dedicated section for fish. It’s near the river and has access to water and services.”

He estimated that about 100 vendors, 50 fishmongers and 50 grocers, operate in the area, but the temporary site only accommodates around 30 shops. “That’s not enough,” he said.

Longtime shop owner Abu Murtadha described the original market buildings as “over 100 years old, built with palm trunks and wooden beams — structures that are worn out and unsafe.”

“The municipality’s decision to remove them is right, even though people suffered losses,” he said. “How can we accept places that risk catching fire?”

He added that many of the shops have been rebuilt at personal cost, whether by owners or tenants coordinating with landlords. “The market is privately owned, so naturally rents changed after reconstruction,” he said.

Despite some disruptions, Abu Murtadha welcomed the municipality’s steps. “Opening the street improved traffic flow, and now fire and ambulance vehicles can enter easily. But it’s also important to support the displaced vendors by providing a well-organized replacement market.”