Abu Dhabi: The occupancy rate of Musaffah Bazaar, which was opened by the Abu Dhabi City Municipality in April, has reached 100 per cent, and thus helped eliminate illegal street hawkers in the area.

The bazaar attracts thousands of customers who can shop in a proper and healthy environment, said a municipality press release issued on Monday.

The bazaar was established to eliminate unlicensed peddlers roaming the streets of the city and protect the community from their illegal activities that may undermine public health.

The market has almost succeeded in eradicating this illegal practice in the area and opened the doors for proper traders. The 500 outlets in the market are fully occupied, which proves the market’s success with considerable footfall.

The traders appreciated the municipality and its strategic partners for opening this market and streamlining the trade with required facilities and services, and continuous inspections to ensure the standards. The municipality and its strategic partners, such as Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer), Abu Dhabi Police, and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, are keen to offer best services in the market.

The Dh-30-million market on an area 22,000 square metres has the capacity to accommodate 2,500 visitors. The market infrastructure includes rainwater drainage system, telecommunication network, environment-friendly street lights, 150 parking spaces for visitors, offloading yard and 2.5km-long pedestrian corridors.

The municipality has warned that illegal hawkers will be fined Dh1,000.