An uncompleted two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council site looms over traders in Madina Market, its exposed metal rods and crumbling walls raising alarm. Despite warnings, some vendors continue to operate beneath the deteriorating structure.
The building has sat unfinished for years, with construction beginning in the early 2000s. It was meant to accommodate about 200 traders but has since become a hazard rather than a hub. TV3 News visited the site on Saturday and found traders selling goods directly under the unstable structure, while others use parts of the building as makeshift storage.
Traders describe the building’s condition as deteriorating, with visible signs of neglect including damaged walls and exposed steel reinforcements. Sections appear precarious, sparking fears that any collapse could cause severe injury or death. Yet for many, moving away is not an option.
“We know the danger,” one trader said, “but there is nowhere else to go.” Relocating could mean losing access to customers and disrupting livelihoods. Some traders report receiving warnings from local authorities but continue to work in the area due to lack of alternatives.
The situation has created tension between safety concerns and economic necessity. Traders have appealed to the Madina Municipal Assembly for alternative trading spaces before any forced relocation. They are asking for a grace period until the end of the year to arrange new sites, claiming an immediate move would severely impact their incomes.
While the authorities have reportedly urged traders not to occupy the space beneath the building, enforcement appears limited. The market remains busy throughout the week, with customers and traders exposed to potential risks from the unstable structure.
The building’s abandonment raises questions about its structural integrity and the future of the project. An inspection by qualified engineers would be necessary to assess the extent of damage and recommend safety measures. Any sections deemed dangerous should be cordoned off to prevent access.
The traders’ appeal underlines the challenge facing the local government: balancing the protection of lives with minimizing economic disruption. Without clear plans for rehabilitation, demolition, or relocation, the building remains a threat to those who rely on the Madina Market for their livelihood.
The unfinished structure at the old Madina Zonal Council site has become a daily hazard for traders who have worked around it for years. Its exposed metal rods and crumbling walls stand as silent warnings ignored out of necessity.
Until authorities provide a practical solution, the building will continue to pose a risk. Traders and customers must contend with the precarious presence above them each day.
According to 3News.
