Algerian Building Collapse Averted by Young Girl's Alertness
A young girl in Algeria's capital demonstrated remarkable bravery yesterday morning by alerting residents to a potential disaster when part of an old building collapsed on Rabah Moussaoui Street in El-Harrach, east of Algiers.
* Incident Overview
The collapse involved four floors from the right side of the structure, injuring one individual who was subsequently transported to Mustafa Pasha University Hospital. As a precaution, emergency responders also attended to 27 residents from neighboring buildings.
Witnesses reported that the girl's timely warning, which came just moments before the collapse, enabled many to escape unharmed.
* Investigation into Causes
Preliminary assessments by Algeria's state services suggest that excavation work approximately four meters deep near the building may have contributed to the collapse. A detailed technical report from the Technical Control Center for Construction is forthcoming.
Officials noted that the building had undergone state-sponsored renovations last year as part of an initiative aimed at rehabilitating aging structures.
* Concerns About Aging Infrastructure
Jamal Sharfi, an international urbanism expert and president of the Arab Higher Council for Architecture and Urban Development, stated that many buildings in Algiers are old and have deteriorated significantly since the country's independence, largely due to insufficient maintenance and the decline of traditional building caretakers.
He highlighted that restoration efforts initiated in 2013 have targeted around 18,000 buildings, necessitating temporary housing for nearly one million residents during the rehabilitation process.
* Recommendations for Improvement
Sharfi proposed the establishment of a dedicated agency with funding for the restoration of fragile and historic buildings, akin to the National Urban Planning Agency, which has yet to be realized. He emphasized the importance of practical and technical solutions, free from political interference.
* Vision for Urban Development
Construction engineer Said Zitan pointed out that the architectural diversity in Algiers—spanning Ottoman, colonial, and post-independence styles—adds to the city's charm. He stressed the need for long-term urban development strategies that prioritize preservation of the city's identity rather than relying solely on traditional restoration methods.
Zitan cautioned against allowing real estate developers to shape the city based purely on commercial interests, which could undermine its architectural heritage.
The young girl who raised the alarm has become a symbol of courage and vigilance in Algeria, resonating with many on social media as a hero who prevented a potential humanitarian crisis.
