Even before the memory of the Huruma tragedy in Nairobi settles at the back of the minds of many, another building has collapsed in Mombasa. The six storey building that was still under construction came down in the wee hours of Sunday. Authorities have blamed strong winds while some have blamed the contractor for using substandard materials during construction. It is not yet known if people were in the building at the time it came down and rescuers are still combing through the collapsed debris.
This comes a day after the rescue operations for the collapsed building in Huruma came to an end on Saturday. A total of 52 people have been confirmed dead while more than 15 have been reported to be still missing. Rescues shifted their search to Nairobi River after all the rubble was turned but no body was found in the river. Authorities are now calling on those who may have survived to come out so as to set the numbers clear. This has been the worst tragedy in the Kenyan history as a result of a collapsed building.
Read: Floods in Kenya and their Impact on the Economy of the Country
Last week, the largest retailer in the country, Nakumatt, suspended its operations in one of its branches, Nakumatt Ukay after the supermarket literally flooded. It is said that the building stands on a water way and authorities had ordered for its demolition. Water forced its way into the building getting the attendants unaware. Goods flooded on water and the retailers is said to have lost millions of shillings as a result.
Nairobi alone is said to be having more than 200 buildings that are unfit for human residence. Most of these buildings had been earmarked for demolition but numerous court injunctions have hampered the process. They now remain death traps as agents of death continue collecting their rental dues. As usual, after the Huruma tragedy, Kenyans will mourn, curse and forget and wait for another tragedy to happen.
Article by Juma Fred.