By KT Reporter
Authorities in Fort Portal have ordered the immediate demolition of a dilapidated commercial building at Mpanga Market.
The decision follows a tragic incident in which a wall of the old building at Struggle Market – an extension of Mpanga main market caved in after a heavy downpour, claiming the lives of two traders and injuring three others last week.
In a notice dated 13 November, the City Town Clerk, Ambrose Acen, directed Paul Asaba Mudaki to demolish the structure located on Plot 8–12 without delay. The directive followed a joint inspection carried out by the City Building Control Committee, some leaders, and security officials.
The letter indicates that the inspection team confirmed that the building is old, weak, unsafe, and poses a danger to traders and shoppers.
However, some tenants trading in the said building expressed concern about the order. They said that they cannot vacate the premises before they get somewhere else to work from.
Molly Kamakune, who operates a shop in the building, asked for a grace period to sell merchandise they had stocked to sell in the Christmas season. She says that currently they don’t have the money to rent new shops.
Ronald Abwooli claims they have not yet received a formal notice informing them to vacate the premises. He, however, asks the City Council to consider them because they have been paying license fees and other taxes, and give them some time to look for places to relocate.
He also asked for grace to first work from the building during the festive season.
Lucy Kemigisa, another trader, says that they cannot shift to the lockups inside the market because customers shun them, yet they have needs to cater to.
On Thursday last week, some traders staged a protest accusing the Fort Portal City Council and the building owner of negligence for failing to take action on a structure they say has been visibly old and unsafe for years.
They closed their shops and demanded an explanation from the authorities, expressing fear that the remaining parts of the building could collapse if heavy rains continue.
Efforts to speak to the building owner, Asaba Mudaki, were unsuccessful. His caretaker told URN that Mudaki was bedridden and unable to comment.
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