Irbid, Sept. 6 (Petra) -- Revenue collections at Irbid Central Fruit and Vegetable Market reached JD514,680 last August, the highest since the market's establishment, market director Osama Hatamleh said Sunday.

Hatamleh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that outstanding debts predating the current year had been collected and that 2025 accounts were closed for all shop owners except three.

He stated that an agreement was reached between the market's administration, affiliated with the Greater Irbid Municipality, and shop owners to settle prior debts, allowing traders to continue daily operations while settling their outstanding balances.

He pointed out the market received 26,533.4 tons of produce in August, including 16,061.4 tons of vegetables, 5,717.8 tons of fruit, 1,094.3 tons of leafy greens, 1,048.9 tons of mixed fruits and vegetables, and 2,611 tons of items such as strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon.

Separately, Irbid Municipality spokesperson Ghaith Tal told Petra that the municipality discussed the current state of the central market with the Merchants Union of Vegetables and Fruits Exporters along with progress on a planned new market.

Tal said the municipality places high importance on the market given its major economic role and its position as one of the primary food sources for Irbid and the wider northern region.

He stressed that the municipality will fully repave the market's grounds at a time coordinated with traders to avoid disrupting sales activity, in addition to carrying out maintenance on water and sanitation lines for a number of shops.

Tal added that the municipality is proceeding with its new market project, which has been opened for investment, and is awaiting bids for review by specialized committees.

//Petra// NQ