Madina Market building records dangerously low 11 N/mm² strength

The Municipal Engineer for Madina, Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, has raised a serious safety alarm regarding an abandoned two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council. Structural integrity tests conducted on the facility revealed dangerously low strength readings, some as low as 11 N/mm². The engineer warned that the structure poses a severe risk to the public and must be addressed urgently to prevent a potential disaster and legal liability for the Municipal Assembly.

Construction on the building began in the early 2000s, originally intended to provide market space for approximately 200 traders. However, the project remained unfinished and has suffered significant deterioration over the past two decades. Despite the visible signs of decay and the hazardous conditions, some local traders have continued to use the ground floors of the skeleton structure for storage purposes. The Municipal Assembly has expressed concerns that continued occupation of the site could lead to negligence claims if an accident occurs.

In response to the structural failure, the Municipal Assembly plans to demolish the existing structure to facilitate the construction of a modern market facility equipped with essential amenities. While the Assembly has been in communication with the affected traders regarding the building's precarious condition since 2021, many remain resistant to relocation. These traders cite a lack of viable alternative spaces to conduct their business as the primary reason for their refusal to vacate the premises.

The move to replace the crumbling edifice is part of a broader effort by the local authorities to modernize trade infrastructure in Madina while ensuring public safety. Engineer Ahmed emphasized that the structural data leaves no room for compromise, as the current readings are far below the safety standards required for public occupancy. The Assembly is now tasked with balancing the urgent need for demolition with the logistical challenge of accommodating the traders displaced by the project.