The Ministry of Public Works has ordered a halt to the use of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church building currently under construction.
In a notice sent to Elder Malik, who oversees the project, the Ministry raised concerns following an inspection of the site.
The Ministry’s communication, which DN News has obtained, highlights that while scaffolding and construction materials are in place, the building remains incomplete and presents significant safety risks.
The Ministry advised that the building should not be used for any activities, including public services, until all safety hazards are cleared.
“This action is to protect both the public and the congregation. Once construction is completed, the Ministry will conduct a final inspection. If the building meets safety standards, an occupancy permit will be issued,” the Ministry stated.
The SDA Church has been facing internal controversy as members disagree over where to hold worship services while the church is under renovation. Some church members, including prominent figures, are pushing to resume services in the unfinished building, despite warnings from engineers about the risks involved.
The church has been undergoing major renovations for over three years, and during this time, services have been relocated to classrooms at the SDA School. While contractors assure that only a few weeks or months of work remain, the building’s safety has raised concerns. Engineers have described it as unsafe, particularly on the upper floors where critical work has not yet been completed.
Among those pushing to use the building are former Education Minister Prof. Ansu Sonii and Representative Dixon Siebo, both reportedly pressuring church leaders to allow worship in the unfinished structure. Pastor Emmanuel GM Kollie, who is caught between the demands of certain church members and the advice of engineers, has called for calm and pledged to address the issue upon his return from the United States.
Both Siebo and Sonii have declined speaking but prefer the pastor of the Church, Emmanuel Kollie to address the matter.
The church’s engineers have emphasized that essential work, such as completing the upper floors, has not been finished. Despite these warnings, some congregation members continue to demand that services proceed in the unsafe building, deepening divisions within the church.
As the construction nears completion, the church faces difficult decisions about when and where to safely resume services, with the potential for further tension if the building remains in use before it is fully safe.
