FROM OUR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER

“THE EAGLE’S EYE”

Bagamoyo history is part of the present and the future society for Tanzanians. Although the history of Tanzania, with particular reference to Bagamoyo, cannot be forgotten but at the same time it cannot be undone.

Historical buildings and monuments are by law protected or reconstructed to give the same old look for obvious reasons. Yet there are a good number of buildings which are collapsing due to old age. Some are situated at such places which might cause loss of human lives and possibly injuries to pedestrians.

“The Eagles Eye”, our roving photographer, has taken several pictures of such buildings which have almost collapsed and pose danger to the people and particularly school pupils who pass by or play in the vicinity of the site. The buildings are situated in the stone town area. One was a double floor building now remaining with unsupported walls and a fully grown tree inside the building. Next to it is a residential house and right in front of it is a busy road, newly reconstructed. Small and big motor vehicles rumble by this building and obviously chances for a shake-up are there.

The other building which is very close to the Mwambao Primary School and a few meters adjacent to the Balooch Mosque is also gradually collapsing. School children are always seen playing near the vicinity of the building and Muslims go to the mosque for their daily prayers.

All consequences have causal connections which can be sufficiently proved. If accidents can be avoided by removing the causes, then the question of accidents will not be there. Human injuries and lives might be saved if actions are taken to do the right job.

The half collapsed building with a fully grown tree in its compound. Just behind this building is a residential house and the newly constructed road is on the left side.

The two floor building left with one side of the wall which seems to be totally unsupported by the structural beams. Partly seen is a residential house.

Adjacent to the half collapsed building is the Balooch Mosque and very close to it is the Mwambao Primary School, the first multi-racial school which was built by Sewa Haji.

An extract from District Officer’s Report of 1933 explains: “Although many of the Stone Houses of Bagamoyo, formerly owned by wealthy Arabs and Indians are lying vacant and ruins can still be seen in every street. A marked improvement was effected by systematic steps taken to demolish ruinous houses in the town. Time must necessary elapse before the Town is entirely rid of ruins, but perseverance on the lines indicated should eventually attain the desired end.”