LocationsLocal authorities breathe life back into Al-Houta’s fish market
July 23, 2024
A wide shot of the completed Al-Houta Fish Market.
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, local authorities in Al-Houta, Lahj Governorate, Yemen, with support from UNDP and Yemen Aid, and funding from the European Union through the Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, launched the newly rehabilitated and rebuilt fish market, reviving a critical piece of infrastructure.
The old fish market in Al-Houta, empty and dilapidated, forced sellers to the streets and created congestion.
The old fish market in Al-Houta is a vital source of income for local communities and a key driver of economic recovery in the governorate. Over time, the market fell into disrepair, with once-bustling stalls now a shadow of their former selves. The market lacked fundamental amenities, including proper sanitation systems, electricity, and adequate structural support, posing risks to both fish sellers and customers.
The old fish market in Al-Houta, empty and dilapidated, forced sellers to the streets and created congestion.
Due to its dilapidated state, sellers were forced to move their businesses to the streets, causing severe congestion and chaotic conditions. This situation highlighted the urgent need for change and the local authorities' struggle to provide essential services.
The way to renewal
Recognizing these pressing issues, the local authorities prioritized the need for a new market in their 2022 development plans while the SIERY Project provided the necessary support and resources to transform this vision into reality.
"We are forced to sell fish on the street because the market is in such a dilapidated state that it is no longer functional. How can we conduct our business when the market is so degraded? The market urgently needs to be rehabilitated." — Mohammed, Fish Seller
With the market renovation, new era begins!
Spanning 580 square meters, the new facility features 24 vibrant stalls, an efficient administration room, a well-equipped control room, modern bathrooms, and a parking area. Essential services such as sanitation, water, and electricity networks were installed. High-quality protection systems, including advanced electrical panels, lightning rods, and fire alarms, were also set in place. The market's roof and sides were insulated, and a ventilation system with fans was integrated to ensure a healthy work environment for sellers and to keep the catch fresh and safe for consumers.
Reshaping Al-Houta's commercial landscape.
The revitalized market, with three accessible entrances, ensures smooth movement and provides sellers with privacy. Local authorities are now working towards bringing fish sellers and fisherfolk back to the market from the streets, which will significantly reduce traffic jams and regularize selling practices.
The need to rehabilitate and rebuild the market was a priority in the resilience and recovery plan of Al-Houta’s local authorities. This plan was developed following capacity-building workshops for local authorities’ staff with support from the SIERY Project. Consequently, the SIERY Project supported the implementation of the identified public priorities, one of which was the Al-Houta Fish Market.
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