Nation mourns
PM announces 19-member team to inspect buildings
Warns against unofficial fundraising for victims
SOME collapsed, others wept openly as 15 coffins bearing the bodies of those who died in the tragic collapse of a four-storey building in Kariakoo on Saturday were lined up at Mnazi Mmoja grounds yesterday, where mourners gathered to bid farewell.
As of on Monday 16 people lost their lives in the tragedy, which caused extensive property damage. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa led hundreds of mourners at the grounds in Dar es Salaam, where the atmosphere was heavy with grief. During the ceremony, the Premier announced the formation of a 19-member commission tasked with assessing the structural integrity of buildings in the Kariakoo area.
The once-bustling commercial district of Kariakoo was transformed into a scene of mourning as family members, friends and community members gathered to pay their respects. Addressing the mourners, the Premier confirmed that rescue efforts were still ongoing, with 86 people rescued by yesterday afternoon.
“As of this afternoon, 86 Tanzanians have been saved from the collapsed building,” the Premier stated, adding that those rescued were taken to hospitals across Dar es Salaam, including Amana, Mnazi Mmoja and Muhimbili National Hospitals for urgent medical care. Most survivors have since been discharged, though five remain under close medical supervision.
The Premier assured the public that the government was sparing no effort in the rescue operations, working tirelessly to save anyone still trapped under the rubble. “We are actively working amidst the debris, and we can still hear the voices of some Tanzanians who are trapped.
They are being given oxygen and glucose water to help them survive. As of 11 a.m. today (yesterday), we were still in contact with them,” he shared.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government is covering the medical expenses for the injured and will bear the burial costs for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
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Additionally, Mr Majaliwa instructed the police to locate the building’s owner, who is wanted for questioning regarding the collapse. “Following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive, we have established a 19-member commission to inspect the quality of all multi-storey buildings in the Kariakoo area,” he said.
“Our goal is to build strong, sustainable infrastructure that Tanzanians can be proud of in this iconic market.”
The commission, to be chaired by Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, will conduct a thorough investigation of the area’s buildings.
The Prime Minister also clarified that the government has not authorised any private fundraising efforts related to the incident.
Donations should only be directed to an account established by the Disaster Management Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office, he said. He specifically addressed businesswoman, Jennifer Jovin, known as Niffer, who reportedly raised over 37m/-.
He demanded an explanation of her actions and the legitimacy of her fundraising efforts. “She must account for the funds she has raised, detail how they were used and confirm if she had authorisation to collect donations,” Mr Majaliwa stated.
The government encouraged all donations to be made through the official National Relief Fund, Account No. 9921159801, held at the Bank of Tanzania, to ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila urged the public to remain calm and allow experts to conduct rescue operations safely.
He cautioned that any premature cutting into the collapsed structure could endanger the lives of those still trapped. “We are in contact with some survivors beneath the rubble. Cutting through the structure hastily would put their lives at risk,” Chalamila explained.
He added that the regional government would assume responsibility if any negligence is found in the rescue operations.
