LINDA SOKO TEMBO writes
FIVE members of the same family have died after the boat they travelling in capsized and sank in Chitili stream, a tributary of Kafue river in Namwala district, acting police spokesperson Danny Mwalehas said.
Mr Mwale said the incident happened on June 18 around 12 hours when the occupants were travelling from Shakapepe Fishing Camp to Mwanabene Fishing Camp.
In a statement, Mr Mwale said that a strong wave hit the boat causing the engine to be disconnected.
“The family members who died have been identified as Mercy Mulakoaged 36, Sarah Ngulale aged 12, Mildred Ngulale aged seven, Maureen Ngulale aged two and Hope Ngulale aged nine months all of Mwanabenefishing camp in Namwala District,” he said.
Mr Mwale said the bodies have since been retrieved from the stream and deposited at Namwala District Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem and burial.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has expressed condolonces to the family of the 36 year old woman of Mwanabene fishing camp in Namwala District.
In a statement issued by DMMU Senior Communications Officer, Rachel Chama, government through the Ministry of Transport and Communications has commenced working on modalities to ensure all vessels being used to transport people on water are safe, in order to prevent such accidents.
DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe said that it is unfortunate that life continues to be lost in such a manner.
He has further advised communities who depend on water transport to take the necessary precautions and adhere to weather advice being issued by the Zambia Meteorological Department even as they endeavorto go on with their business.
He added that in as much as accidents are unpredictable, we can all do our part in ensuring we prevent them because disaster management is everyone’s responsibility.
He disclosed that DMMU is working at strengthening disaster risk reduction measures in all sectors as a way of reducing the huge cost of responding to disasters.
Mr. Kabwe has assured the bereaved family that government will provide all the funeral logistics in order to lessen their burden. He has since directed the district administration in Namwala to quickly avail the funeral requirements to DMMU in order for the Unit to respond appropriately.
He has sent his condolences to the bereaved family and wishes them God’s comfort in this difficult time.
