The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly has begun demolishing the old Zonal Council Market at Madina following concerns about the building’s structural safety.
The exercise is intended to protect traders, shoppers and other users from potential accidents caused by the deteriorating structure.
According to Municipal Engineer Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, a structural integrity test recorded readings as low as 11 Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²), raising serious concerns about the facility’s safety and prompting the decision to demolish it.
Although some traders initially opposed the exercise because of its potential impact on their livelihoods, many have accepted the decision after engagements with the assembly. However, they are appealing for the speedy reconstruction of the Madina market to enable them to resume normal business activities.
The demolition has disrupted trading, forcing some affected traders to operate along nearby roadsides while awaiting a permanent replacement. They have urged the assembly to avoid delays that could worsen their financial difficulties.
In response, Ahmed assured traders that the redevelopment would be undertaken under the assembly’s planned 24-hour market project. The initiative is expected to provide a modern and safer trading facility while supporting commercial activities and economic growth in the municipality.
He also indicated that verified traders whose records are available at the assembly would receive priority when shops are allocated in the new market.
Despite the assurance, affected traders say the timely completion of the project remains their main concern as they seek to restore their businesses and protect their livelihoods.
Source: newsthemegh.com