Partial Building Collapse in Algeria: Young Girl's Quick Action Saves Lives
A young girl's quick thinking saved numerous lives in Algeria's capital after she alerted residents to an impending danger just moments before a section of an old building collapsed yesterday morning in El-Harrach, located east of the city.
* Incident Details
Four floors on the right side of the building collapsed, injuring one individual who was subsequently taken to Mustapha Pacha University Hospital for treatment. Additionally, 27 residents from nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Witnesses reported that the girl's warning allowed residents to escape just in time, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
* Possible Causes of the Collapse
Authorities in Algiers indicated that excavation work at a depth of approximately four meters near the building might have contributed to the collapse. A technical assessment from the Center for Technical Control of Construction is pending.
It was noted that the building had undergone renovations last year as part of a program aimed at rehabilitating older structures.
* Risks of Aging Buildings in the Capital
Urban planning expert Jamal Cherfi, president of the Arab Council for Architecture and Urbanism, stated that many buildings in Algiers are old and have significantly deteriorated since the country's independence due to insufficient maintenance and the absence of traditional caretakers responsible for their upkeep.
He explained that renovation efforts, which began in 2013, have involved approximately 18,000 buildings, necessitating temporary housing for nearly one million residents during the rehabilitation process.
* Proposed Solutions
Cherfi suggested establishing a specialized agency with funding for the renovation of fragile and heritage buildings, similar to a national urban planning agency that has yet to be implemented. He emphasized that solutions should be practical and technical, rather than politically motivated.
* Future Vision for the City
Building engineer Saïd Zitan highlighted the architectural diversity of the capital, which includes Ottoman, colonial, and post-independence styles. He stressed the need for long-term urban development policies that incorporate plans for a new city while preserving its identity, rather than relying solely on traditional renovations.
Zitan warned against allowing real estate developers to shape the city purely for commercial gain, which could distort the architectural identity of the capital.
The young girl who alerted residents has become a symbol of courage and vigilance in the face of urban dangers, resonating with many Algerians on social media and helping to avert a potential humanitarian disaster.
