HABITAT chief lambasts City Hall

NAIROBI--The Executive Director of UN HABITAT Dr Anna Tibaijuka has blamed the recent collapse of a city building on inept officials at City Hall.

Speaking at the scene of the tragedy yesterday, Dr Tibaijuka wondered how city engineers and the town clerk would approve the construction of such a building. “They must tell us what the hell was going on. This is a tragedy that was waiting to happen and the town clerk is fully responsible”, said an angry Tibaijuka.

Earlier, Local Government minister Musikari Kombo took the flak for the tragedy. “I take full responsibility for this tragedy and order City Hall to suspend all the officers who were responsible. There has been poor planning at City Hall and this department must be restructured”, admitted Kombo. He further ordered the demolition of a building adjacent to the killer house, saying it also violated city by-laws.

Government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua says the government will cater for hospital bills and funeral expenses of the tragedy victims. An inter-ministerial task force will also be set up to investigate the cause of the tragedy. A fund has also been launched to assist the victims and already the Kenya Charity Sweepstake (KCS) has donated Ksh 1m.

Meanwhile, the Israeli rescuers are set to leave the country this morning after a brief ceremony at the tragic scene. They will hold prayers and lay wreaths prior to their departure. According to Dr Mutua, the British, American and local rescuers will continue with the operation until the last body is retrieved.