La Nkwantanang-Madina Assembly to demolish unstable Madina Market building

The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) has announced plans to demolish an abandoned two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council following structural tests that revealed a high risk of collapse. The unfinished structure, located within the busy Madina Market area, has been identified as a significant safety hazard for hundreds of traders and shoppers who frequent the vicinity daily. The decision follows growing concerns over the integrity of the concrete frame, which has remained in a state of neglect for over two decades.

Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, representing the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, disclosed that recent structural integrity assessments yielded alarming results. The building's concrete strength was measured at just 11 N/mm², a figure far below the safe threshold required for occupied structures. Ahmed warned that the building's current state is a potential disaster and emphasized that the Assembly would face significant liability if a collapse occurred while traders were operating nearby. The structure has been standing unfinished since the early 2000s, and years of exposure to the elements have severely compromised its stability.

To mitigate the risk and modernize the trade area, the Assembly plans to replace the dilapidated structure with a contemporary market facility featuring improved amenities. While some traders expressed concern about the disruption to their livelihoods, the Assembly maintains that it has already secured alternative trading spaces to accommodate those currently operating within the danger zone. This transition is part of a broader effort by the municipality to upgrade market infrastructure while ensuring that public safety remains the primary priority.

The planned demolition marks a critical step in addressing long-standing structural neglect within the Madina municipality. By removing the unstable building, the Assembly aims to prevent a potential catastrophe while clearing the way for urban renewal and safer commercial activities. Authorities have urged all affected traders to comply with relocation directives to facilitate a safe and efficient demolition process in the coming weeks.