Voices heard under rubble as rescue efforts intensify

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has disclosed that voices are still being heard beneath the rubble of the collapsed Kariakoo building, as rescue efforts intensify.

The Kariakoo building, a four-storey structure with a basement, collapsed last Saturday, leaving 16 people dead and 84 others injured.

Speaking during the farewell ceremony for 15 victims of the tragedy, held yesterday at Mnazi Mmoja grounds, Mr Majaliwa said that ongoing operations are focused on the deepest sections of the site.

“We are still hearing voices from those trapped below. As of this morning, we had communication with some individuals, and we have been supplying them with clean air, water, and glucose,” Mr Majaliwa said.

The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to continuing rescue operations and providing support to affected families.

The Premier reassured the public that rescue operations remain ongoing, with specialised teams digging through the rubble while maintaining safety precautions.

“We’re doing everything we can to save lives. We have hope that more survivors will be found,” he said.

The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about urban planning and building safety in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Majaliwa has called for immediate reviews of structural integrity across the city to prevent similar incidents.

He went on to order police to arrest and interrogate a woman identified as Jennifer Jovin, accused of collecting unauthorised donations in the name of aiding the victims.

“She must explain who authorised her to collect funds and how much has been gathered. Disaster management has its protocols, and no one should bypass them,” Mr Majaliwa said.

The sombre event drew hundreds of mourners, including family members, friends, and concerned citizens, who braved the rain to pay their last respects.

For his part, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has revealed that he is ready to take responsibility if the Prime Minister’s Office conducts an investigation and concludes that he and his team did not adequately respond to the rescue efforts following the collapse of the multi-storey building at Kariakoo Market.

Mr Chalamila said he and his team believe they have done their best in the rescue operations so far.

“We are continuing with the rescue operations, but after the building collapsed, we had to make the decision not to demolish it further and instead apply strategic rescue methods.

“Many people feel we didn’t respond adequately. I request that if it is found that we failed to act appropriately, I will be ready to take responsibility,” he said.

He added that the Prime Minister’s Office has extensive information and understands many aspects of the situation, and if they determine that he and his team fell short, he is prepared to face the consequences.

Mr Chalamila also mentioned that as of yesterday at noon, there was a young ride-hailing driver who had entered the building and was making phone calls while inside.

“While inside the building, he informed us that he was losing strength, along with others. As I speak now, we have rescued them, and they are all in the hospital,” he said.

He acknowledged that some people believe those who died could have been saved if he and his team had responded more quickly. “Doctors can attest to this; most of the deaths occurred after the incident, as many suffered injuries from collapsing walls and debris.

“We are human, and I may have wronged some people. I would like to reiterate that I am ready to take responsibility,” he said.

He went on to assure the public that there was sufficient security in place and that no property would be stolen from the collapsed building.

“Security is tight, and no property will be stolen from the site,” he stated, emphasising the importance of maintaining trust and transparency during the recovery process.

The farewell ceremony began at 7.27am with the arrival of Mr Majaliwa, followed by the 15 caskets carried by military vehicles escorted by ambulances with sirens blaring.

The caskets were placed on 18 specially prepared stations, each marked with a chair for family representatives.

As the caskets were brought in, military personnel carried out a ceremonial parade before laying them at their designated spots.

Heart-wrenching cries filled the air as families called out the names of their loved ones, mourning the tragic loss.

Security was tight, with riot police (FFU) and city guards ensuring order. Red Cross personnel provided first aid to mourners.