After a devastating building collapse that shook Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam’s busiest business hub, operations have officially resumed nine days after the incident. The Chief Government Spokesperson and Director of Information Services, Mr. Thobias Makoba, announced the reopening during a press briefing at Kariakoo Market on Tuesday.
Reopening While Ensuring Safety The market had been temporarily closed to prioritize rescue efforts, including retrieving individuals trapped under the rubble of the multi-story building that collapsed on November 18, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m. Tragically, the collapse claimed 29 lives, with 86 people rescued and five survivors currently receiving medical treatment.
While most of the Kariakoo area has reopened, Mchikichi Street—where the incident occurred—will remain closed to allow further investigations into the causes of the collapse. Mr. Makoba emphasized the need to ensure public safety and facilitate a thorough review of the affected areas.
Controlled Management and Property Recovery The National Disaster Committee has handed over control of the site to the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner’s office, which will oversee ongoing investigations. Mr. Makoba reassured the public that businesses and roads outside the directly affected zone are now safe for use, with restrictions lifted as of 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Additionally, recovered property from the collapse site is being securely stored and will be systematically assessed by traders and government officials to determine salvageable assets.
Ongoing Investigations Mr. Makoba noted that while the reopening marks a significant step toward normalcy, investigations are far from over. The government remains committed to uncovering the root causes of the tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This swift action demonstrates the resilience of Kariakoo’s business community and the government’s dedication to balancing recovery efforts with public safety.
