KARIAKOO BUILDING COLLAPSE PROBE: PM orders professionalism

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has launched an expert commission to investigate the collapse of a building at Kariakoo area in Dar es Salaam, directing the team to conduct the probe transparently, fairly and in accordance with professional standards.

The Prime Minister launched the commission yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Sub-office located at Magogoni in Dar es Salaam.

He instructed its members to carry out their duties in full compliance with laws, regulations and professional ethics.

“Conduct this task expertly… the nation has entrusted you, go and do this job with utmost professionalism and bring the results,” he said.

The commission was formed following the directives from President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to examine the cause of the building collapse and assess the quality and durability of all buildings in Kariakoo area.

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“Beyond examining the collapsed building, the commission has been tasked to inspect other buildings still in use in the Kariakoo area, assessing the structural integrity of ongoing construction projects and verifying adherence to construction procedures,” said the Premier.

This includes evaluating whether permits were obtained, qualified contractors were hired and proper oversight was provided by relevant authorities during the construction.

The commission is also mandated to determine whether renovations in Kariakoo area comply with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.

The committee is also expected to identify all buildings at risk of collapse and recommend necessary actions to address the issue.

Meanwhile, rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Kariakoo continued yesterday, as rescuers worked tirelessly to clear rubble using heavy machinery and search for bodies and belongings trapped under the debris.

Heavy machines, including excavators and cranes were now being used to accelerate the process, marking a shift from earlier efforts that relied on lighter tools such as drills and hammers to prevent total building collapse.

This precaution was initially taken to avoid further harm to any potential survivors. Gas torches were also used to cut through metal beams, enabling cranes and other machinery to operate more effectively.

The rescue team, which includes personnel from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), the National Service (JKT), the Fire and Rescue Force and others, is working round the clock. After every six to ten minutes of excavation, rescuers enter the debris to recover items, which are then placed in a designated area. The pile, which mainly consists of clothing, continues to grow.

By dusk yesterday, no new survivors or bodies had been reported. The disaster site remains a focal point for senior government officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and other high-ranking leaders involved in public safety and disaster management.

Among the officials who visited the site were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs and Coordination, Ummy Nderiananga; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children, Amon Mpanju, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Hashil Abdallah; and Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila.

In another development, the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has donated 20m/- to the Disaster Response Committee, to support the ongoing rescue efforts.

TANAPA’s Board Chairperson and retired Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General George Waitara, handed over the donation documents during his visit to the site.

He commended the well-coordinated rescue operations and improved communication strategies, noting that the operation has been well-coordinated.

Chairperson of the Disaster Response Committee and Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination) Dr Jim Yonazi, received the donation and expressed gratitude for the public’s overwhelming response.

“Some have volunteered their labour, while others have donated food and money. We appreciate everyone’s contributions,” he said.

Dr Yonazi also shared details about the donation process, announcing the use of a control number, 987320001709 to facilitate contributions. He said the National Relief Fund account number, 9921159801 remains active for donations through banks and mobile money platforms.

As of now, the official death toll stands at 20, with 87 people injured. Despite the standard 72-hour rescue period, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to extend operations by 24 hours during her visit on Wednesday has allowed rescue teams to continue their efforts.

The area remains cordoned off and businesses activities in the vicinity have been suspended until further notice. Authorities have urged the public to remain patient and cooperative as rescue efforts continue