Madina Market: Abandoned building poses collapse risk, engineer warns
An abandoned two-storey building at the former Madina Zonal Council within the Madina Market has been found to have weak structural integrity, raising concerns about the safety of traders and customers in the surrounding area.
The Municipal Engineer of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, has warned that failure to address the condition of the building promptly could lead to a major disaster and expose the Assembly to allegations of negligence.
Speaking to the media, Engineer Ahmed said structural integrity tests conducted on the building, with assistance from external engineers, recorded readings of about 20 Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²) in some sections and as low as 11 N/mm² in others.
He stressed that the Assembly had a duty to protect lives and property and could not ignore the dangers posed by the deteriorating structure.
“The role of the Assembly is to ensure the safety of its constituents, protect and safeguard lives and property. What is the use of all the engineers at the Assembly if we sit and watch this building collapse on traders?” he asked.
Construction of the two-storey building reportedly began in the early 2000s, with the intention of providing trading spaces for approximately 200 people. However, the project was never completed, leaving the structure exposed to years of deterioration.
A visit to the site revealed exposed metal rods, damaged walls and sections of the building that appeared structurally unstable.
Despite its deteriorating condition, trading activities continue around the building, with some traders reportedly using portions of the unfinished structure to store their goods. Others display and sell their products nearby, heightening fears about the consequences of a possible collapse.
Some traders have acknowledged the risks but explained that the lack of alternative trading spaces makes relocation difficult, as moving could disrupt their livelihoods.
The Assembly, however, says it has provided an alternative trading area near the existing market to allow affected traders to continue their businesses while plans for demolition and redevelopment are pursued.
Engineer Ahmed explained that the proposed demolition forms part of plans to replace the deteriorating structure with an ultra-modern 24-hour market that will provide more trading space and improved facilities.
The proposed development is expected to include a clinic, a school, a police station and a children’s playground, among other amenities.
The Assembly said it had been engaging traders on the condition of the building since 2021 and believes adequate time has been given for them to understand the need for its demolition.
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