For the past three months, residents of the infamous Peace Island Community in Congo Town, claimed living in a state of anxiety and fear.
Residents attributed the fear to a “partially demolished building that has now poised potential disaster to their lives.
The structure, which was once owned by a community chairman, remains a looming threat following a demolition attempt the Ministry of Public Works initiated, but abruptly halted, leaving the building in a precarious state.
According to Barnes Kardor, the Ministry initiated the demolition as part of a road expansion project.
However, when heavy machinery was employed to take down the building, it began to shake dangerously, forcing operators to abandon the task.
“They tried using a machine to bring the building down, but it started shaking. It became dangerous for the operator,” Kardor recounted.
Following the incident, the owner hired local workers to cut parts of the structure; a decision that has left it “highly unsafe.”
The dilapidated building leans ominously over a busy area frequented by children playing at a nearby football field, raising alarm among residents.
Youth Chair Hassan M. Jalieba expressed the urgency of the situation, stating: “The building is in a dangerous location, because it is in a curve. It poses a risk to the community.”
Despite their efforts to raise awareness and engage community leaders, the Ministry is yet to the necessary action to rectify the issue.
A community-based businesswoman Princess Nimely described the building as a daily danger, noting: “Stones fall from it almost every day. Children and even some mentally ill people go under there. It is risky for everyone.”
As the situation in Peace Island remains unresolved, the plea for action stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for government accountability and public safety.