VIDEO: Left in ruins: Aftermath of the tragic Kariakoo building collapse

Dar es Salaam. The devastating collapse of a multi-storey building in Kariakoo continues to cast a somber shadow over Dar es Salaam, with the confirmed death toll now at 29.

Nine more bodies were recovered during the final phase of the rescue operations, which officially concluded today, 26 November 2024.

The collapse, which occurred on Saturday, 16 November, left the city reeling as over 80 people sustained injuries and extensive property damage amounting to millions of Tanzanian shillings. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stringent enforcement of building regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.

Chief Government Spokesperson Thobias Makoba, who also heads the Information Department (Maelezo), shared the latest updates from the collapse site earlier today. “This marks the end of an intensive search and rescue operation,” Makoba stated, expressing the government's condolences to the affected families and pledging continued support for survivors.

A tragic reminder of past incidents
This latest tragedy echoes a series of previous building collapses in Kariakoo, highlighting systemic issues within the construction sector. Reports from earlier incidents reveal a pattern of negligence in adhering to safety standards, raising questions about oversight and accountability.

In April 2013, another building collapse in Kariakoo claimed 36 lives, while others sustained serious injuries. Despite recommendations for reforms, incidents like these persist, underscoring the urgent need for action.

What’s next?

As authorities conclude the recovery effort, focus now shifts to addressing the root causes of such disasters. Experts are calling for a comprehensive review of building codes, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to ensure that construction practices prioritize safety over shortcuts.

Meanwhile, survivors and their families face a long road to recovery, with many left to grapple with physical and emotional scars from the calamity.