A building that was being demolished in Jinja City’s central business district collapsed and trapped some workers under the debris.
The building, which used to house Tata Owen Supermarket, was located at Plot 2 Nizam East Road. The collapse happened while the workers were demolishing it. Three workers, Muhammad Kasozi, Samalie Nambubi and Frank, whose full name is unknown, were buried by the rubble. They were rescued and taken to Jinja Hospital with serious injuries.
Two other workers, Alex Odeke and ‘Wizard’, managed to escape without harm. James Mubi, the spokesperson of Kiira Regional Police, said that the owner of the building had a demolition permit from City Council, but they were working with the National Building Review Board to verify if he complied with the relevant laws.
Mubi referred to the Building Control Regulations 2020 and the Building Control Act 2013.
Tata Owen Supermarket, one of the most popular retail supermarkets in Jinja City, moved to a new building on Main Street last year, leaving the old building on Nizam East Road for reconstruction.
Jinja is one of the cities with many old buildings that were constructed during the colonial era and have exceeded their lifespan. They require either renovation or complete demolition.
