The project, which includes three other fish markets throughout the city, was initiated by, and coordinated with, the Basra government.
“With the new Abu al-Khasib fish market, they will have a more sanitary and cleaner environment to store and sell their fish,” said Staff Sgt. Hugo Rivera, civil liaison team noncommissioned officer with 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
During the visit, vendors had piles of fish sitting in less than an inch of warm water, with a motley collection of sun tarps overhead to block out some of the heat, which was greater than 130 F. To keep the fish looking better and discourage flies, the vendors scooped up water with their hands and splashed it over the fish. Consequently, sales appeared to dwindle drastically as the fish continued to sit in the constant heat.
The new building, which is slated to be completed in September, will have 26 stalls with running water, electricity, ceiling fans and air conditioning, as well as storage and display areas which can be filled with ice to keep the product fresh, continued Rivera, who comes from Oxnard, Calif.
“With the new building completed, they can show (customers) fish which will be clean and sanitary and frozen,” said Rivera. “They are happy the fish will be fresh, they will have electricity and that the building will be done (soon).”
One local vendor said he is eager for the market’s completion, because the new conditions will allow the fish to stay fresh longer and appear more appealing to customers, resulting in greater sales.
“The new fish market will help us because there will be better conditions for us to sell our fish,” said Kalaf, a fish vendor.
Approximately one million dollars have been spent or allocated for the fish market projects throughout the city. By using local contractors and laborers, most of that money also helps stimulate the local economy. Rivera added the workers have expressed pride in doing their part in improving their city.
“The al-Querna fish market had the same conditions as the Abu al-Khasib fish market before the new one was built. They were selling their fish in unsanitary conditions. Once that fish market was complete, you could see a small boom in their local commerce,” said Rivera.
“The fish markets are small projects, but also great projects that will bring more commerce to the districts. It is a small stepping stone but it will make a big difference for the people involved,” continued Rivera.
“A project like this shows the people of Basra that the government of Iraq is at the stage where there is a lot of progress,” said Rivera. Based on his interaction with various citizens, he said the people seem happy with their government’s efforts in improving the quality of life with projects and new constructions.
“They’re very proud that their government is taking charge and working for (the people), said Rivera. “This is showing the Iraqi people what a democracy looks like.”
