Operations progress on new vendor market spaces

AMMAN — Following the instructions of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) is proceeding with measures to establish three new traditional markets providing street merchants with organised and well-serviced spaces. 

Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh directed the concerned parties to prepare the infrastructure for the new markets, which aim to reduce unemployment and encourage productivity, GAM Spokesperson Nasser Rahamneh told The Jordan Times on Monday over the phone.

There are six existing traditional markets under GAM’s jurisdiction, yet many street vendors are scattered around streets and in front of stores, negatively affecting traffic and trade movements, he said.

Street vendors will be allowed to exhibit their products for free in the new markets, Rahamneh said, noting that Shawarbeh instructed the concerned departments to make all existing markets free of charge.

According to the GAM department for the control of random selling, street stalls operating outside the specified market areas will be violating the regulations, the spokesperson said.

He highlighted that GAM deals with violations with “much flexibility and delicacy” and tries to transfer vendors’ street stalls to areas designated for traditional and public trading. 

The locations of the markets will be announced in the coming two weeks, he said, adding that the new markets will present an opportunity for street traders to work in new areas and reach more customers.