Tanzania: Deadly Kariakoo Building Tragedy Ignites Fury and Demands for Urgent Reform

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.