(Dar es Salaam) – Health and safety concerns have intensified in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, as illegal demolitions put both residents and businesses at risk due to unregulated dust and debris.
In the heart of Kariakoo, a densely packed area with buildings on almost every street, the ongoing demolitions of structures have made it increasingly difficult for the local population to carry out their daily activities without exposure to harmful dust. The area is not only a commercial hub but also home to many residents, and the dust generated by these demolitions has had a direct impact on both health and well-being.
According to an investigation by Mwananchi, these demolitions are being carried out in violation of Section 55 of the 2003 Occupational Safety and Health Act. This law mandates that workers and the public must be protected from unsafe conditions. It stipulates that employers or property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety and health of workers and people in the vicinity of work zones. However, the demolitions in Kariakoo are proceeding without consideration for these guidelines.
Further complicating matters, these activities also disregard Section 47 of the 2007 Urban Planning Act, which demands that demolitions must follow city planning regulations and ensure public safety. Mwananchi’s investigation, conducted from June to October 2024, reveals that the demolitions have been executed without proper precautionary measures, leading to significant consequences for public health and safety.
Tragically, on November 16, 2024, a four-story building on Congo and Mchikichi streets collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, 86 injuries, and millions of shillings in property damage. This incident has prompted the government to form a new investigation team, consisting of 19 members, to assess all buildings in the Kariakoo area.
Aside from the tragic loss of life, the demolitions are causing significant health hazards, particularly due to the dust generated during the process. Health experts emphasize that the dust is harmful to both workers and residents, leading to respiratory issues and other complications.
Business owners in the area, such as Ahmed Othman, a clothing retailer, have expressed frustration over the dust. Othman shared that since the demolitions began, he has been forced to wipe down his products multiple times due to the dust. He added that the dust has affected his health, causing severe coughing and breathing problems. “I had to go to the hospital for tests after suffering from a persistent cough,” Othman said. “We can’t even open our shops properly because of the dust.”
The impact is also felt by local residents. Abhijaya Latif, a mother of two living on Tandamti/Sikukuu street, shared that despite closing the windows, dust still enters her home, affecting the health of her children. “My children are constantly sick due to the dust, and this has led to high medical expenses, which we never expected,” she said. “The noise from the demolitions also causes a lot of stress.”
While development is crucial for the area, both residents and business owners believe that public health should be prioritized during such projects. Health experts have also raised concerns about the vulnerability of children and the elderly to the health risks posed by the demolitions. Dr. Amani Seif, a doctor from a hospital in Iringa, explained that children’s immune systems are weaker, making them more susceptible to respiratory diseases from the dust. Similarly, the elderly, who often have pre-existing health conditions, are at increased risk.
Dr. Seif further noted that the fine particles from the demolition dust can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to short-term issues such as coughing and fever. Long-term exposure, he warned, could lead to chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer.
Dr. Grace Ndebaliba, an environmental health expert, pointed out the possible risks posed by hazardous materials like asbestos, which may be present in the older buildings being demolished. “We suspect that some of these buildings contain asbestos, a material used in older roofing and insulation. If inhaled, its particles can cause serious diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer,” she said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned about the environmental impacts of large-scale demolitions, urging contractors to take necessary precautions such as wetting down debris to minimize dust and erecting barriers to protect the public.
Despite these clear guidelines, Mwananchi’s investigation found that none of the demolition sites in Kariakoo have adhered to such precautionary measures. According to Professor Geraldine Kikwasi from the University of Ardhi, local regulations regarding demolitions are often ignored, leaving the public vulnerable to health and safety risks.
Professor Kikwasi explained that regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) clearly outline the responsibilities of building owners, architects, and contractors during demolitions. These include the use of dust suppression techniques like water spraying and erecting barriers to ensure public safety. However, contractors argue that implementing these measures is costly, and they often skip these steps to reduce expenses and secure contracts.
“A building can’t be demolished in one day, and every day before demolition, water must be sprayed to prevent dust from spreading. But this is difficult to do because the costs of bringing in water trucks for each phase of the demolition are high,” one contractor explained, requesting anonymity.