Majaliwa warns Kariakoo disaster probe team against covering up the truth

Arusha. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has warned Kariakoo catastrophe probe team members against possible intentions of hiding the truth and protecting implicated individuals from facing the law.

He was referring to a commission formed following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive after the heartbreaking collapse of a four-storey commercial building on Saturday, November 16, 2024, killing 29 people, and injuring 88 others.

The formed 20-member commission has been tasked to determine the root cause of the building’s collapse and evaluate the quality and safety of buildings in the Kariakoo business area of Dar es Salaam.

The Premier Minister issued the warning in Arusha on Friday, December 6, 2024, during the 14th International Conference of the Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET).

Opening the conference, Mr Majaliwa said the government had identified key issues related to the building’s structural sustainability, hinting that the conference comprised some members of the probe commission.

“You are expected to be truthful in your investigations, without protecting anyone, even though implicated individuals would come from your profession,” he said.

“We need to identify all those who allowed this situation to happen,” he added. He expressed confidence in the integrity and expertise of engineers, highlighting their global reputation and the trust the government places in them.

"We believe engineers are trustful, and your profession commands respect both in Tanzania and abroad. We expect the commission will provide accurate findings, which will help improve building standards countrywide," he insisted.

The Premier Minister emphasised that the commission's recommendations would address key issues facing Kariakoo and other parts of the country.

He said the focus was on ensuring the construction industry was safer and higher-quality buildings were built throughout the country.

"This will enhance the credibility of your profession and uphold its respect and value," he said.

For his part, the Minister for Works, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, highlighted the ongoing government’s efforts to use expertise from local contractors, and engineers in the undertaking of construction projects.

He noted that a meeting with contractors across the country was held in November 2023 to address challenges in the construction industry.

“Following this, a committee was formed to address the issues, with some resolutions already being implemented,” he said.

The IET President, Dr Gemma Modu, thanked the government for opportunities given to local engineers in strategic projects, hence stimulating innovation and professionalism growth.

She also emphasised the importance of these projects in contributing to the country's sustainable development and solving societal challenges.

Engineers Registration Board (ERB) member Ngwisa Mpembe reiterated the importance of qualified engineers and construction professionals, stressing the dangers of allowing unqualified individuals to participate in engineering activities.

"The Kariakoo disaster is a tragic reminder," he said, expressing condolences to the victims and their families.

He assured participants that ERB would support ongoing investigations and take necessary action to prevent future disasters.

During the conference, Mr Majaliwa also issued directives to address the unemployment challenge and improve the general engineering profession.

He called on educational institutions to develop curricula to enhance graduates' employability and foster innovation, thereby addressing the country's growing unemployment challenge.

Further, Mr Majaliwa urged public and private institutions to prioritise hiring Tanzanian engineers, limiting the employment of foreign engineers to those offering specialized expertise.

"It is essential that institutions create opportunities for engineering graduates to gain practical field experience, which will help them build confidence and improve their skills," he said.

He also emphasised the need for engineers to prioritise environmental conservation, safety, and sustainability in the implementation of projects.

"By doing so, you will contribute to the country’s efforts to combat climate change," he said.

Additionally, Mr Majaliwa called on engineers to uphold professionalism, ethics, and high-quality standards in their works, serving as role models for projects undertaken locally and internationally.

"Collaborate with engineers from developed countries to exchange knowledge, discuss work quality, and address challenges," he advised.

Finally, Mr Majaliwa encouraged engineers to conduct research in areas prone to accidents, particularly on road infrastructure, and offer advice to the government or law enforcers on necessary actions to prevent future tragedies.