RESCUE teams in Tanzania have spent a second day combing through the rubble of a collapsed four-storey building in Dar es Salaam’s bustling Kariakoo market area, searching for survivors. The structure gave way early Saturday morning, leaving five people dead and trapping an unknown number beneath the debris.
At least 70 individuals have been pulled from the wreckage alive, according to the fire brigade, while rescue efforts continue to locate those still trapped.
Trapped survivors communicate with rescuers
Albert Chalamila, Dar es Salaam’s regional commissioner, confirmed on Sunday that several people remain stuck in the building’s basement. Efforts to maintain communication with those trapped have been successful, with oxygen and water provided to them.
‘They are stable, and we believe they will be rescued alive and safe,’ Chalamila said, expressing optimism despite the challenging conditions.
Obstacles in the rescue mission
Fire brigade chief John Masunga stated that the rescue operation is being slowed by the building’s dense structure, comprising numerous walls. Initially, hundreds of first responders used basic tools and bare hands to clear the rubble. Later, cranes and heavy equipment were deployed to accelerate the search.
Eyewitness reports indicate that construction work to expand the building’s underground business area began just a day before the collapse. This revelation has intensified concerns over lax enforcement of building regulations in Tanzania’s rapidly expanding commercial hub.
Recurring tragedy amid urban expansion
Dar es Salaam, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities with over five million residents, has seen a rapid property boom in recent years. However, this growth has often been accompanied by unregulated construction practices, leaving many buildings structurally vulnerable.
The Kariakoo collapse follows a similar tragedy in 2013 when a 16-storey building in the city crumbled, claiming 34 lives.
Renewed calls for regulatory reform
The incident has reignited calls for stricter oversight of construction practices in Tanzania. Critics argue that rapid urbanisation, coupled with weak enforcement of building codes, creates a dangerous environment for residents and businesses alike.
As the rescue mission continues, authorities face mounting pressure to hold those responsible for this latest disaster accountable and to implement measures to prevent future collapses.
This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for better urban planning and adherence to safety standards in Tanzania’s expanding cities, as rescue teams race against time to save lives in Kariakoo.
