Partial Building Collapse in Algiers: Young Girl's Alert Saves Lives
A young girl's quick thinking saved numerous lives in Algiers yesterday morning when she alerted residents to a potential disaster just before a section of an old building collapsed on Rabah Moussawi Street in the El-Harrach municipality, east of the capital.
* Incident Details
The collapse involved four floors on the right side of the building, resulting in one injury. The injured individual was transported to Mustapha Pacha University Hospital for treatment, while 27 residents from adjacent buildings were also attended to as a precaution.
Residents confirmed that their escape was made possible by the girl's warning, which came moments before the collapse.
* Possible Causes of the Collapse
Authorities from the Wilaya of Algiers indicated that excavation work approximately four meters deep near the building may have contributed to the collapse. A technical assessment report from the Construction Technical Control Center is pending.
It was noted that the building had undergone restoration last year as part of a program aimed at rehabilitating old structures.
* Risks of Aging Buildings in the Capital
Urban planning expert Jamal Sharfi, president of the Arab Council for Architecture and Urbanism, stated that many buildings in Algiers are old and have deteriorated significantly since independence due to inadequate maintenance and the absence of traditional caretakers responsible for preserving these structures.
He explained that restoration efforts initiated in 2013 targeted around 18,000 buildings, necessitating temporary housing for nearly one million residents during the rehabilitation process.
* Proposed Solutions
Sharfi recommended establishing a specialized agency with funding dedicated to restoring fragile and heritage buildings, similar to the National Urbanism Agency, which has yet to be implemented. He emphasized that solutions should be practical and technical, free from political interference.
* Future Vision for the City
Construction engineer Said Zaitane noted that the architectural diversity in the capital, which includes Ottoman, colonial, and post-independence styles, contributes to its beauty. He stressed the need for long-term urban development policies that encompass planning for a new city while preserving its identity, rather than relying solely on traditional restoration methods.
Zaitane added that the incident underscores the risks of allowing real estate contractors to shape the city's landscape purely for commercial gain, potentially distorting its architectural identity.
The young girl who alerted residents has become a symbol of bravery and vigilance against architectural hazards, resonating with many Algerians on social media.
