The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly has begun demolishing the old Zonal Council Market at Madina after a structural assessment raised concerns about the building’s safety.
The Municipal Engineer, Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, said the decision followed test results that recorded readings as low as 11 Newtons per square millimeter, prompting concerns about the risk the deteriorating structure posed to traders and shoppers.
He explained that the demolition was necessary to prevent a possible disaster.
The exercise has disrupted the operations of traders, some of whom have resorted to selling along nearby roadsides while awaiting the construction of a replacement facility.
Although some traders initially opposed the demolition over fears of losing their livelihoods, others say they now understand the safety concerns behind the decision. They are, however, urging the assembly to begin reconstruction without delay to enable them to return to their shops.
The Municipal Engineer said the project would be undertaken as part of the assembly’s planned 24-hour market initiative, which is expected to provide a modern and safer trading facility.
He added that traders whose details have been verified and documented by the assembly would be given priority in the allocation of shops at the new market.
The affected traders have welcomed the redevelopment plan but say the speed of reconstruction will be crucial to reducing their financial losses and restoring normal business activities.
