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Despite police efforts to cordon off the site, dense crowds are hampering rescue operations. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Dar
es Salaam– A devastating tragedy unfolded in Kariakoo on November
16, 2024, this morning when a four-story building suddenly collapsed, claiming
one life and injuring many others.
The
collapse occurred during ongoing construction to expand shop spaces on the ground
floor. The disaster has reignited widespread anger over lax construction
oversight and the use of substandard materials in urban areas.
Rescue
teams arrived swiftly, but their efforts were slowed by the lack of heavy
equipment to lift the debris. Emergency workers faced immense challenges as
they struggled to reach those trapped under the rubble.
Among
the first responders, Paschal Malimi shared his experience of pulling survivors
to safety under dire conditions. He described the overwhelming air and the
difficulty of the operation, adding that many remained trapped beneath the
wreckage.
At
Muhimbili National Hospital, Professor Mohamed Janabi confirmed that casualties
were treated with urgency. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young
man and emphasized that several others had been stabilized and discharged,
while some remained under medical care.
The
tragedy has left the Kariakoo community in shock and raised urgent questions
about the safety of buildings in the bustling commercial district.
Witness
accounts painted a grim picture of the moments leading up to the disaster.
According to Malimi, the collapse was sudden and terrifying, as workers
carrying out their tasks were caught unaware. The eerie sound of rumbling was
the only warning before the structure gave way, leaving a cloud of dust and
chaos in its wake.
Former
UN-Habitat Executive Director Professor Anna Tibaijuka expressed her sorrow and
outrage, calling the incident a preventable tragedy. She highlighted the
importance of orderly urban planning and strict adherence to building
regulations.
She
warned that ignoring technical expertise and prioritizing investor demands over
public safety creates an environment where lives are continually at risk.
The
scene of the collapse drew a flurry of activity from local authorities and
government representatives. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert
Chalamila arrived to assess the situation and console the victims' families.
He
urged residents of nearby buildings to evacuate as a safety precaution. The
area also saw the presence of Ilala MP and Deputy Speaker Mussa Zungu, as well
as senior police officials, who pledged to ensure thorough investigations into
the causes of the disaster.
Experts
who visited the site cited poor construction practices and the use of
substandard materials as likely contributors to the collapse. Structural
engineer Hamis Mwinyi stressed the need for stricter oversight of building
projects in the city.
He emphasized that while reconstruction and
development are common in areas like Kariakoo, these activities must be carried
out with adherence to rigorous safety standards to prevent such tragedies.
This
incident is not isolated, as building collapses have plagued East African
cities for years. In Nairobi, Kenya, similar disasters have claimed lives and
exposed systemic failures.
From
the Huruma collapse, which left many dead, to more recent incidents in other
parts of the city, poor planning and weak regulation remain a deadly
combination. Kampala, Uganda, has also witnessed its share of collapses, with
lives lost due to negligence and unregulated construction.
The
Kariakoo disaster has reignited calls for sweeping reforms to address the
persistent failures in urban development. Experts are calling for stronger regulatory
frameworks, enhanced local authority powers, and community awareness to demand
safer construction practices.
Developers
and contractors who violate safety standards must face severe consequences to
deter future negligence. Investments in better rescue equipment and
infrastructure are also urgently needed to improve emergency response times
during such incidents.
The
tragedy in Kariakoo is a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked
urbanization and systemic neglect. As the rubble is cleared and rescue
operations continue, the pain and grief of those affected are immeasurable.
For
the city of Dar es Salaam, this disaster serves as a call to action, a moment
to confront the failures that have endangered countless lives. Professor
Tibaijuka’s words resonate as a poignant plea for change: the time to act is
now before more lives are needlessly lost.
As
East Africa grapples with the challenges of urban growth, Kariakoo’s collapse
stands as a sobering example of the urgent need for accountability and reform.
The hope remains that this tragedy will mark a turning point rather than
another chapter in a history of preventable disasters.
