President Samia orders inspection of all buildings in Kariakoo as death toll in collapsed building rises to 13
What you need to know:
- She further announced that the police would collect full details from the owner of the collapsed building regarding its construction.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the formation of a team to inspect the structural integrity of all buildings in Dar es Salaam's bustling Kariakoo area, following the collapse of a four-storey building early on Saturday.
The President said on Sunday that so far 13 people have been killed, while 84 others have been injured.
In a recorded video message on Sunday, President Hassan, who is currently in Brazil for the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, assured the public that the ongoing rescue operation was proceeding well.
She explained that the government had prioritized rescuing those trapped under the rubble, which led to the delay in investigating the cause of the collapse.
"In the aftermath of this tragic event, I direct the Prime Minister to lead a team of building inspectors to continue with a thorough inspection of all buildings in the Kariakoo area, so that we can obtain a comprehensive assessment of their structural conditions," said President Hassan.
She further announced that the police would collect full details from the owner of the collapsed building regarding its construction.
The findings of the investigation will be shared publicly, with the government committing to take any necessary actions based on the results.
The government has also pledged to cover the medical costs for the injured and ensure that the deceased are treated with due respect.
"We continue to receive rescue updates from the Prime Minister. We express our deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by this unfortunate event," President Hassan said.
"The government will continue to provide updates until the rescue operation is fully completed."
Read: Kariakoo building collapse sparks urgent call for improved urban planning and construction standards
At present, the cause of the building’s collapse is still under investigation, but President Hassan emphasized that the main focus was on saving the lives of those trapped.
"Our first priority was to save those who were trapped. We have not yet determined the technical reasons behind the building's collapse, as our focus has been on saving lives," she added.
