Dubai Municipality to set up temporary souq in Naif

(MAITHAN AL ANBARI)   

The Dubai Municipality will construct a temporary marketplace in Deira for businesses affected by the fire that gutted dozens of shops in Naif on Wednesday, according to the national news agency Wam.

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of the Dubai Municipality, said a special emergency committee has been formed to undertake the project, which is expected to be completed within two months.

He said the special committee will choose the most suitable location for the temporary market while renovation of the gutted souq is being undertaken. It will also be directly involved in the design, supervision and implementation of the project.

Wam reported that following an official investigation on Wednesday’s fire, the Dubai Municipality will begin clearing the debris in preparation for the construction of the new souq. The government agency anticipates construction to commence in the next eight months.

“We always make it a point to accomplish our projects in the quickest possible time for the benefit of the general public," said Lootah.

The Municipality will also undertake the leasing of shops in the new souq, which covers an area of 60,000 square feet.