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Photo: Daily News, Tanzania.

On November 16, 2024, a four-story building collapsed in Dar es Salaam's Kariakoo area, resulting in 29 confirmed deaths and 88 injuries. Rescue operations concluded after 10 days, during which more than 80 individuals were rescued from the debris. The building's owner has been arrested, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. The collapse occurred in the busy Kariakoo district, raising critical questions about building safety and emergency preparedness in urban centers. In response, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an audit of all buildings in the Kariakoo area to assess their structural integrity and prevent future tragedies.

Chief government spokesperson Thobias Makoba provided updates at the scene, sharing that rescue workers were using specialized methods to maintain communication and supply oxygen to those trapped. These techniques underscore the importance of using effective communication tools during emergencies.

Leadership in action

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, attending a G20 summit in Brazil, extended the rescue timeline several times emphasizing the commitment to saving lives. “Do not end the rescue operations. Extend it by an extra 24 hours to continue the fight for our brothers and sisters, whom we believe are still alive,” President Hassan stated. She also commended the rescue teams and volunteers for their relentless efforts.

Her decision highlights the critical role of leadership in coordinating effective communication during crises. Clear, decisive messaging can inspire action, instill hope, and guide public behavior in emergencies.

Community engagement and safety awareness

The incident has spurred significant public concern, with many volunteers stepping forward to assist rescue efforts. However, two individuals were arrested for unauthorized fundraising related to the tragedy, demonstrating the need for clear guidelines on legitimate channels for support. Transparency in crisis communication helps build trust and prevents misinformation.

This tragedy underscores the importance of community awareness about urban safety. Authorities and stakeholders should prioritize public education on structural safety and the role of citizens in reporting unsafe practices.

Risk communication takeaways

This event serves as a reminder of the critical elements of effective Risk and Crisis Communication:

• Preparedness: Ensuring robust urban planning and enforcement of safety regulations.
• Real-time updates: Providing clear, timely information to the public to manage expectations and guide action.
• Community involvement: Leveraging trusted community leaders and organizations to foster collaboration during crises.
• Building trust: Ensuring transparency in response efforts and addressing misinformation proactively.

This incident provides valuable lessons for improving emergency response and fostering community resilience in Tanzania and beyond.

Media links for further reading:

1. Rescue ends in Tanzania building collapse as death toll rises to 29

   https://apnews.com/article/tanzania-building-collapse-37451d91d64618b867ba3c564e9d24db

2.  Tanzania building collapse: Rescue efforts continue as govt vows stern action

   https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/18/tanzania-building-collapse-rescue-efforts-continue-as-govt-vows-stern-action/

3. Tanzania building collapse kills at least 13 people https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tanzania-building-collapse-kills-least-13-people-2024-11-17/

4. Five killed, 42 rescued in Kariakoo building collapse

   https://dailynews.co.tz/five-killed-42-rescued-in-kariakoo-building-collapse/

Since the start of 2023, Tanzania has experienced a troubling rise in road traffic accidents, with over 1,550 people killed in crashes by mid-December. These accidents have not only taken a heavy human toll but also exerted a significant economic and social burden on the country. Addressing the issue of road safety requires a comprehensive understanding of the causes of accidents, their impacts on public health and the economy, as well as potential solutions.

Causes of road traffic accidents in Tanzania

The causes of road traffic accidents in Tanzania are multi-faceted, stemming from a combination of human error, vehicle conditions, and poor infrastructure.

• Human Factors: Driver behavior plays a crucial role in road safety. Speeding, reckless driving, failure to follow traffic laws, and distracted driving are some of the most common causes of accidents. Alcohol consumption and fatigue also contribute to a significant number of crashes, particularly during long-distance travel.
• Poor Road Conditions: A significant portion of Tanzania's road network, especially in rural areas, is in poor condition. Potholes, lack of road markings, and insufficient lighting make driving hazardous. Many roads are narrow and unable to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, leading to frequent accidents.
• Vehicle Conditions: Many vehicles on Tanzanian roads are poorly maintained, which increases the likelihood of mechanical failures. Faulty brakes, worn tires, and outdated safety features have all been linked to serious accidents.
• Overloading: Overloading is another critical factor that contributes to road accidents. Buses and trucks often carry more passengers and goods than their capacity allows, leading to instability, reduced maneuverability, and an increased risk of collisions.

Health and economic impacts

Road accidents in Tanzania have far-reaching consequences on both the health sector and the economy.

• Health Impact: Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of hospital admissions and a major contributor to the burden on Tanzania's healthcare system. Victims of road accidents often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, which strains already limited healthcare resources. Moreover, the psychological trauma faced by survivors and their families cannot be overstated.
• Economic Impact: The economic cost of road traffic accidents is substantial. According to studies, road accidents in Tanzania result in a loss of approximately 3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These losses arise from healthcare expenses, lost productivity due to injuries and deaths, and damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Additionally, many accident victims are of working age, which further exacerbates the economic consequences by removing key contributors from the workforce.

Efforts to improve Road Safety

Several initiatives have been launched to curb the growing number of road accidents in Tanzania, but much more needs to be done.

• Government policies: The Tanzanian government has made efforts to improve road safety through policies and regulations. These include stricter enforcement of traffic laws, the introduction of speed limits, and mandatory vehicle inspections. The use of seat belts, helmet laws for motorcyclists, and campaigns to reduce drunk driving have also been promoted.
• Road infrastructure development: Ongoing road infrastructure projects are expected to improve safety conditions. The expansion and modernization of major highways, improved road signage, and better traffic management systems can reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.
• Driver education and awareness campaigns: Efforts to educate drivers on safe driving practices are crucial. Road safety campaigns targeting both professional drivers (e.g., bus and truck operators) and private vehicle owners can help change driving behaviors. Public awareness programs focusing on the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance are key to preventing accidents.
• Global support and partnerships: Organizations like the Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF) have been working with the Tanzanian government to improve road safety. Their involvement includes providing funding for infrastructure improvements, capacity-building efforts, and data collection systems that can help policymakers make informed decisions.

The way forward

To successfully reduce road traffic accidents in Tanzania, a multi-pronged approach is needed. While government initiatives are essential, they must be supported by public cooperation and international partnerships. Prioritizing road safety not only saves lives but also helps to alleviate the economic burden that road accidents place on the country.

Future interventions should focus on improving road conditions, strengthening enforcement of traffic laws, enhancing vehicle safety standards, and promoting a culture of responsible driving. By addressing the root causes of road accidents and implementing sustainable solutions, Tanzania can pave the way for safer roads and a more secure future for all its citizens.

References

• Xinhua. (2023). 1,550 people killed in road accidents in Tanzania since start of 2023: minister. Link
• Global Road Safety Facility. (n.d.). Tanzania Road Safety Profile. Link
• ResearchGate. (2009). Road Traffic Accidents in Tanzania: A Ten-Year Epidemiological Appraisal. Link
• Global Scientific Journal. (2021). Road Accidents in Tanzania: Causes, Impact, and Solution. Link
• ScienceDirect. (2022). Road Traffic Accidents in Tanzania: Exploring the Economic and Health Impacts. Link

It is vital that public health professionals engage with issues concerning trade organisations and treaties.
The world is getting smaller. Increased globalisation, resulting from advances in travel and telecommunications, has facilitated an ever greater mixing of people, customs and cultures, and more rapid cross border flows of goods and services, people and capital, and ideas and information. For some this heralds increasing standards of living—including health—for all. For others it brings greater exploitation of poor countries, adverse impacts on health, and the destruction of indigenous cultures. But why should this concern those working in public health? Read more in an article in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health on this Link

Over the past few months, the world has seen COVID-19 wreak havoc as fatalities rise and economies fall, setting in motion a global recession. Now spreading across Africa, the virus is finding its way into poor rural communities, neighborhoods of the urban poor, refugee camps, and middle and upper-class neighborhoods, where cosmopolitan travellers may have brought it to the continent. Hope exists that the experience of past public health crises, lockdown measures, and the younger population will help reduce the impacts. 

As in other places, COVID is colliding with economic contraction, conflict, and climate-related disasters, bringing to the foredeep inequalities. In East Africa, the pandemic is aggravated by the simultaneous resurgence of one of the largest outbreaks of locusts in decades in the region, raising fears of devastating food shortages while countries are struggling to contain the pandemic. 

To slow the spread of the virus, several countries have shut their borders; on March 23rd, Kenya and Uganda closed their two busiest border posts at Busia and Malaba, allowing only heavy commercial vehicles with a driver and assistant to cross and requiring them to pass a COVID 19 swab test. With these restrictions, Kenya and Uganda-bound trucks and fuel tankers on the border have been stuck for hours, one driver reporting he spent more than 12 hours waiting for Kenyan officials to let him through. Recently, drivers in Malaba went on strike to protest the conditions.