PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed immediate investigation into the tragic collapse of a four storey building and other tall buildings in Kariakoo area the largest and busiest market in Dar es Salaam.

In televised remarks from the G20 summit venue of the Brazilian commercial capital of Rio de Janeiro, beamed early in the night, the president directed Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa to organise a team to conduct a thorough inspection on multi storey buildings in the central business district and vheck on safety, and ways of conducting rescue efforts if an emergency occurs.

The president, attending the 19th heads of state and government conference of the Group of 20 (G20), stated in the recorded remarks that after the rescue exercise is completed, the safety status of the zone needs to be taken up intensely.

“I want the prime minister to lead a team of building inspectors to inspect all buildings in Kariakoo and come up with recommendations to avoid such incidents in future,” she said.

The police force was instructed to get information from the building’s owner on how construction work was conducted, with the president noting that by mid-morning yesterday a total of 84 people had been rescued and 13 people were confirmed to have died. 

“The government will carry all burial and treatment expenses,” she said, commending efforts made by well-wishers who were involved in rescue operations, asserting that safety and security agencies plus volunteers were in the forefront to support the rescue exercise.

“I have received with great sorrow reports on the collapse of the building in Dar es Salaam,” she stated, hinting at periodic updating by the prime minister on the situation.

Many have been rescued and 26 are still in hospital receiving treatment, she said, noting that the government will be updating the public on progress in rescue efforts.

She thanked doctors, nurses and other health attendants for providing close medical assistance to those who survived the incident, stressing non-stop work until everyone who was near the place is accounted for.

SACP Jumanne Muliro had earlier said that the rescue operation had registered good progress, with the wounded being rushed to the Muhimbili National Hospital for treatment.

The respective agencies were on the spot to ensure that effective measures are in place to save those trapped inside, he had affirmed.