Abandoned Madina Market building poses safety risks as traders continue business beneath deteriorating structure

An uncompleted two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council in the Madina Market is raising safety concerns for traders and customers, with some continuing to operate beneath the deteriorating structure despite warnings about the potential danger.

The building, which traders say has been abandoned for years, has exposed metal rods, deteriorating walls, and sections that appear to be in a precarious condition, raising fears about the safety of people who trade in and around the facility.

A visit to the area by TV3 News on Saturday revealed that some traders were still selling their goods beneath the structure, while others had converted parts of the unfinished building into storage facilities.

The situation has renewed concerns about the safety of traders, customers, and other market users who visit the area daily to conduct business.

According to traders, construction of the two-storey building began in the early 2000s but has remained incomplete for years.

The project, which traders say was intended to provide space for about 200 people when completed, has instead become a source of concern because of its deteriorating condition.

Visible signs of neglect include exposed metal rods and damaged sections of the walls, while parts of the structure appear to require urgent inspection and attention.

The prolonged abandonment has left the building unused for its intended purpose, even as trading activities continue in the surrounding market.

Some traders have reportedly resorted to using sections of the unfinished facility to store their goods, while others continue to display and sell their wares beneath or close to the structure.

For a market that attracts traders and customers throughout the week, the continued use of the surrounding space has heightened concerns about the potential consequences should any part of the building fail.

Some traders operating beneath the building say they are aware of the potential danger posed by its condition.

They admit that the structure raises fears of a possible collapse but explain that the lack of alternative trading spaces makes it difficult for them to relocate their businesses.

For these traders, moving away from their current locations could mean losing access to customers and disrupting their daily sources of income.

The situation has created a difficult choice for those who depend on the market for their livelihoods: continue trading in an area they consider risky or move elsewhere without a clear alternative.

Some traders say the authorities have cautioned them against selling beneath the building because of the potential danger.

However, despite the warnings, some continue to operate in the area, highlighting the challenge of enforcing safety measures where traders have limited alternatives.

While acknowledging the safety concerns, some traders are appealing to the Assembly to provide alternative trading spaces before requiring them to relocate.

They want the authorities to give them until the end of the year to make the necessary arrangements, arguing that an immediate relocation could disrupt their businesses and affect their ability to earn a living.

The traders say sufficient notice and access to alternative locations would make it easier for them to comply with any directive intended to protect lives.

Their appeal highlights the need for a solution that addresses both the safety concerns associated with the building and the economic difficulties traders could face if displaced without alternative arrangements.

However, the potential risks associated with the structure remain a pressing concern for people who continue to trade in its vicinity.

The condition of the unfinished building raises questions about its structural integrity, the future of the abandoned project, and the measures needed to protect people who use the market.

An assessment by qualified building professionals would help establish the extent of the deterioration and determine what safety measures are required.

The relevant authorities would also need to consider securing access to any sections found to pose an immediate danger while exploring practical arrangements for traders who may be affected by relocation.

A response from the responsible Assembly on the building's condition, the history of the project, and any plans for rehabilitation or demolition would help clarify the way forward.

For traders and customers, the priority is to ensure that market activities can continue without exposing people to avoidable risks.

The unfinished building at the old Madina Zonal Council remains a concern for traders who say they have operated around the structure for years.

While some continue to rely on the location for their businesses, fears about the building's condition underline the need for timely intervention.

The immediate challenge is to determine whether the structure can be made safe, what should happen to the abandoned project, and how traders can be accommodated without putting their livelihoods at unnecessary risk.

Until these issues are addressed, the building will remain a source of concern in the Madina Market, where traders and customers must contend with questions about safety alongside their daily commercial activities.