Agencies enforcing adherence to safety during construction blamed for Pangani collapse that killed 4, Injured 8
A collaborative team from various agencies has been deployed to examine and evaluate the construction site of Bajuun Tower, a residential building in Pangani.
This action follows a tragic incident where a scaffold collapsed, resulting in the death of four individuals. The State Department of Public Works, through a statement released by PS Joel Arumonyang, has asserted that those accountable for the mishap, which also left eight others injured, will face repercussions.
PS Arumonyang further explained that the unfortunate event transpired while workers were applying plaster to the external walls of the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors of the 17-floor project.
“The workers were operating from a timber platform supported by a scaffold made of old wooden planks,” the statement reads in part.
“Due to weather elements, the structure had become weak and unsound, and could no longer support the weight of the workers, equipment and materials.”
Based on initial findings, the scaffolding collapse originated from the 10th floor and extended onto a neighboring property, causing the workers to be caught in the incident.
PS Arumonyang noted that during the occurrence, the construction workers were without adequate personal protective equipment, particularly lacking helmets and safety harnesses.
“The scaffolding structure also lacked proper maintenance, and thus its collapse was imminent,” the statement adds.
Local residents in the area expressed strong discontent with the construction conditions in Pangani and Eastleigh. They lamented that developers in these areas are not adhering to safety standards, raising concerns about the overall state of construction practices in the region.
“Wakati walianza kujenga hapa kulikuwa na vyuma siku hizi wanaweka miti motu anaanguka na anaenda kabisa ,” Jeremaiah Kyalo.
“Wale watu wa NCA wangekuja hapa waangalie hizi ngazi zinatumika hapa hawa watu hawange anguka na hatungekuwa na vifo,” Steve Mwanja added.
The residents are now asserting that the agencies responsible for granting approvals and ensuring compliance with safety regulations during construction have neglected their duties, turning a blind eye to the chaotic construction situation in the area.
