Palm Sunday Partial Roof Collapse
04/28/2006 Dakar, Senegal
By Rev. Thomas Browne
As we indicated in previous reports last year, we noticed hundreds of little cracks throughout the building during the raining season. Senegal experienced torrential rain and flooding in September 2005 (read previous reports). These building cracks appear to be growing worse daily and the building will need additional repairs prior to the rainy season beginning in July. More Pictures Here.
During the Palm Sunday service we began to hear a strange creaking sound and noticed that the ceiling of the church; which is also the floor of the Head Office and School suddenly beginning to sink in. Loose blocks felt out and the service ended in disarray.
Initial reports and observations believed the cracks to be cosmetic and not structural. Local builders were called in to immediately access the situation and the ceiling was immediately supported with iron braces. This was done to ensure the ceiling would not collapse further until it could be shored up with permanent bracing. College classes were suspended for two weeks to reduce weight on the ceiling and repairs are in progress.
The braces are expected to hold the building, while repairs work is being carried out. With the braces and construction work being carried out, we continued to worship and hold services there. This has frightened about 25% of our congregation and they are not coming to church any more for fear that the ceiling might collapse prematurely. Bracing started immediately, however due to many factors, the work is progressing slowly.
About the Parcelles Assainies church: Situated between four mosques in Dakar, Senegal the congregation has grown to 150+ members. The church is located in the DONE West African headquarters that houses offices, Bible College, staff, students and guests. The Republic of Senegal is over 90% Muslim and the Parcelles Assaines church is a beacon of light in the capitol of Dakar with 3-4 million inhabitants.
