DAR ES SALAAM: IN the spirit of prioritising the safety and well-being colleagues and victims of the Kariakoo building tragedy, Kariakoo traders have placed aside financial losses, some by closing their shops to offer help.
The collapse of the Kariakoo building claimed lives of 16 people, while nearly 87 others were rescued, many with injuries as per Monday records. Traders in the business hub came together to support those affected by the tragedy through various ways, including joining the rescuers.
“It is deeply painful to hear the cries of those who were once our business colleagues pleading for help and hoping to be rescued from the rubble.
“Since the collapse, there has been widespread fear and concern among both business owners and customers about the safety of other buildings in the area, including our own,” one of the Kariakoo Traders, Ms Vaileth Laurian, told ‘Daily News’ on Wednesday. “We are not counting losses or rushing to reopen our shops,” said Ms Vaileth Laurian, a local business owner.
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“Our priority right now is the safety and well-being of our colleagues and customers. The loss of life is deeply painful and it will take time for us all to heal.” Also, she said the tragedy has disrupted commercial activities, raising concerns about public safety, potentially undermining business confidence in the area. Ms Joyce Felix, a business woman whose average sales range between 11m/- and 20m/- per day, said she closed her shop for four days. “I don’t think about profit or sales but I think about our colleagues who lost their lives,” said Ms Felix, adding many of her clients come from neighbouring countries, including DR Congo, Malawi, and Zambia.
“I planned to open my shop on Tuesday since clients kept calling and asking when the shops would reopen. But when I arrived, I found that the government had ordered all shops near the collapsed building to remain closed,” said Ms Felix.
The Daily News spot survey on Tuesday revealed that businesses were closed in some localities on the streets of Msimbazi Uhuru, Tandamti, Swahili.
The street hawkers ‘machinga’ were out of the area as well. Another trader, Mr Wilington Mlewa, said business in the area had slowed, with some people hesitant to shop at basement-level stores due to safety concerns.
Mr Mlewa said that for the past four days, he had only gone to the area to assess the situation and check if traders would be allowed to reopen their shops, especially since this is a key time for preparation of seasonal shopping, particularly for Christmas and New Year.
Ms Beatrice Massawe, a shop owner, said her primary concern was for her colleagues who had suffered due to the disaster, especially those who lost their lives.
“It hurts deeply, and it will take time for me to recover and resume my business, especially since the collapsed building is so close to my shop,” said Ms Massawe.
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A financial analyst, Mr Kelvin Msangi, said the Kariakoo business hub is a key driver of the country’s economy, with an estimated 2.0bn/- in daily trade activity.
“The surrounding businesses that depend on Kariakoo’s foot traffic are also experiencing significant revenue losses,” Mr Msangi said.
He said during the recovery period trade activity in the area is expected to decline by at least 30 per cent, translating to an estimated 600m/- in daily lost revenue for nearby shops, restaurants and transport operators.
