In Marcory Zone 4, tensions are rising between parents of students at the Collège Cours Sévigné and a property developer. The cause of the conflict: the construction of a 12-story building which, according to the complainants, disregards the most basic safety regulations, directly endangering the lives of children.

A pervasive danger for students

At a press conference held this Monday in Abidjan, the Parents' Association (APE) expressed its outrage at what it calls "blatant incivility" .

The grievances are specific and alarming:

1. Excessive proximity: While the building was initially supposed to respect a setback of 4 meters, it would be only 1.2 meters from the establishment.
2. Falling objects: Debris regularly falls on the school grounds. On January 23rd, a tragedy was narrowly averted when a hammer falling from the top floor landed less than a meter from a student.
3. Tragic context: This situation echoes the recent death of a former INSAAC student, killed by a falling concrete block on another construction site in an urban area.

"Our pens and our networks are no longer enough. We are facing a real danger," stressed Lombardo Cédric, president of the APE.

An administrative and legal tug-of-war

Despite a ministerial order and a complaint for endangering others, the work, briefly suspended, resumed in earnest in February. Parents are denouncing the continued pouring of concrete on the 10th floor, in defiance of official injunctions.

The announced response measures:

1. A judge has been petitioned for an interim order to obtain an immediate and effective halt to the construction work.
2. Transparency requirement: Publication of the building permit and the safety plan.
3. Independent expertise: Verification of the conformity and solidity of the structure.

The reaction of the authorities and the developer

The Ministry of Construction, alerted by a citizen's report, claims to have conducted checks. Although the construction site is "properly authorized," the ministry confirms it has issued an official notice ordering the immediate cessation of work due to safety violations.

For its part, the developer reportedly pledged to maintain a three-meter distance from the school and to provide the required safety documents. These promises have done little to reassure families given the reality on the ground.