Kariakoo building collapse sparks urgent call for improved urban planning and construction standards

Dar es Salaam , Tanzania – Tragedy struck on November 16, 2024, when a multi-storey building in the bustling Kariakoo district collapsed, claiming the lives of five individuals and injuring several others. The collapse has reignited urgent discussions on urban planning and construction standards in one of the city's busiest commercial hubs.

Superintendent Peter Mtui, Regional Fire and Rescue Commander for Kinondoni and Operations Commander for the rescue efforts, confirmed the casualty figures. "We have so far rescued 42 people from the rubble. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that any remaining survivors are reached promptly," he stated during a press briefing at the scene.

 Prof. Anna Tibaijuka’s Cautionary Message 

Reacting to the tragedy, former Minister for Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development and former Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Prof. Anna Tibaijuka, expressed her condolences to the victims and their families. She also issued a stern reminder about the consequences of neglecting proper urban planning principles.

“This collapse is reminiscent of the Jangwani tragedy. Urban planning laws dictate that four high-density plots should be merged to form one larger plot suitable for constructing durable buildings with adequate basements for parking and solid foundations. However, this recommendation was disregarded during the third phase of our government due to investor pressure," Prof. Tibaijuka said.

She criticised the practice of constructing high-rise buildings on small, unfit plots, describing it as a recipe for disaster. "Even with robust engineering oversight, it is nearly impossible to ensure structural stability without sufficient space for proper base foundations," she added.

 A Legacy of Poor Planning 

The Kariakoo collapse is a stark reminder of long-standing issues in urban development across Tanzania's cities. Prof. Tibaijuka emphasised the need for immediate reforms, warning that the failure to rectify these systemic flaws has resulted in immense economic losses, lives lost, and reputational damage 63 years after the country gained independence.

She urged stakeholders to prioritise adherence to vertical development standards and rectify past mistakes to prevent future tragedies. “We are now paying the heavy price of negligence—losing lives, properties, employment opportunities, and facing the humiliation of failing to uphold construction standards. Let us pray for the victims and ensure that those who have perished rest in eternal peace. Going forward, we must hold ourselves accountable,” she concluded.

The government has pledged support for the victims and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

As Dar es Salaam mourns yet another preventable disaster, experts are calling for decisive action to enforce urban planning regulations and ensure that future developments meet safety standards. 

The Kariakoo collapse serves as a grim reminder of the cost of ignoring these essential safeguards.