An abandoned two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council within the Madina Market has raised serious safety concerns after structural tests revealed weakened sections, with readings dropping to as low as 11 Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²).
Municipal Engineer of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, has warned that delays in addressing the deteriorating structure could lead to a major disaster, potentially endangering traders, customers and other market users.
According to Engineer Ahmed, structural integrity assessments conducted with support from external engineers recorded readings of approximately 20 N/mm² in some sections and as low as 11 N/mm² in others. He stressed that the Assembly has a responsibility to protect lives and property and cannot ignore the risks posed by the building.
The unfinished structure, which reportedly began construction in the early 2000s, was originally intended to provide trading space for about 200 people. However, the project has remained incomplete for years, leaving exposed reinforcement bars, damaged walls and other visible signs of deterioration.
Despite the safety concerns, trading activities continue around the building, with some traders reportedly using parts of the structure to store goods or displaying their merchandise nearby. Some traders say the lack of alternative locations makes relocation difficult because their businesses provide their daily income.
The Assembly says it has provided an alternative trading area close to the market to help affected traders continue their businesses while plans for demolition and redevelopment proceed.
Engineer Ahmed explained that the proposed project involves replacing the deteriorating building with an ultra-modern 24-hour market. The planned facility is expected to include additional trading spaces, a clinic, a school, a police station and a children’s playground.
The Assembly also indicated that discussions with traders about the building’s condition have been ongoing since 2021, arguing that adequate time has been provided to communicate the need for its removal.
While the proposed redevelopment could improve market facilities and trading conditions, authorities face mounting pressure to prioritise public safety and prevent a possible building collapse before demolition and reconstruction are completed.
Source: newsthemegh.com