It is with great pain and sorrow that UPND join the rest of the country in mourning the death of the 26 Zambians, majority of whom children, that drowned on Lake Kariba on their way for Jubilee celebrations in Gwembe District of Southern Province.
As we mourn this tragic loss, we call upon authorities to establish how such a tragedy accident could have happened so that there would be no recurrence in future.
To lose such a big number of people, who are in their prime and with so much to give to the country, is a big tragedy. These young people had families, friends and certainly hopes and dreams of a better life. They were alive one second and died the next. They did not expect to go so soon and in the manner they did. They were like you and me, full of hope and better prospects for the future. They were Zambians, they were our brothers and sisters, our children, they were the future of this country.
As we mourn these young men and women, let us remember to pray for their souls, as well as pray for their families and friends that they left behind. May God give their loved ones strength and peace that surpasses human understanding so that they may deal with their loss and sorrow. Remember that people that depart from this earth never truly leave, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. It is also true that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. So may you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now, to watch over all of us.
[pullquote]let us also begin to question the morality of our governance systems that subject our citizens to such modes of transport so many years after independence. Let us begin to aspire for better services that will guarantee the safety and lives of our people.[/pullquote]
However, let us also begin to question the morality of our governance systems that subject our citizens to such modes of transport so many years after independence. Let us begin to aspire for better services that will guarantee the safety and lives of our people. Let us not let our brothers and sisters die in vain, but let us use this painful experience to improve the water transport sector that put the lives of many more Zambians in similar dangers everyday.
We call upon government authorities to fully engage communities around the country that use water transport and sensitize them on safe methods of crossing water bodies, such as the need for life saving jackets and skills as well as on the need to rule on the numbers a boat can carry safely.
On behalf of the UPND, we join the rest of the country in mourning these gallant heroes who were on their way to commemorate a historic day in the history of our country.
We call on the entire country and the great spirit of the almighty God to be with the bereaved families in this time of pain and sorrow.
We are with those families in prayers and the UPND will do our best to comfort them in this period of anguish and sorrow.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
___________________________
UPND Information (PI Dept)
Who doesnt know that pipo in zambia travel in that manner? even if UPND had known what will they do? How many problems are they aware of and done nothing about them? Lets just mourn.Even talking bodies to lusaka has more questions than answe
This hh is really a dunderhead. Everything to him is politics. Bwana, for once just offer condolences without politicking, that is why I have always stated that you hh will never be president in any country. A lot of people have died in Zambia in different ways, you never seemed to care unless it has something to do with campaign. That mode of transport has been there for ages, in your backyard, and you never once voiced concern. Why now? Because you want votes, shame on you. At least the departed died trying to go and celebrate with their fellow Zambains, where were you, you little dumpkin?
A FREEMASON HH PRAYING?WHO ARE YOU MOCKING?YOU HAVE ALMOST I BILLION EUROS AND YOU CAN T INVEST TO IMPROVE THE TRASPORT SYSTEM.YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOT INVEST FORTHE BETTERMENT OF THE NATION BECAUSE THE MONEY YOU HAVE IS DEMONIC.ALL WHAT YOU WANT IS POWER TO TAKE ZAMBIA FROM A CHRISTIAN NATION TO THE SATANIC NATION BECAUSE YOU ARE AN AGENT TO THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS.MAY GOD PUNISH YOUR EVIL WORKS IN JESUS NAME.YOU DIDN T CELEBRATE 50TH ANNVERSARY WHICH IS BIBLICAL BE CAUSE YOU DIDN T WANT TO OFFEND SATAN.BUT YOU HAVE OFFENDED JESUS,LIVE THIS NATION FOR WE ZAMBIAN HAVE SURRENDER IT TO OUR GOD AND CREATOR…….
Rare moment I agree with HH.
What a sad loss
Thanks
“…It is also true that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us…” Hakainde please clarify that point. The bible tells us at Ecl 9:5,10 that the dead are unconscious and know nothing. They are asleep, awaiting resurrection, John 11:11-14. My condolences to the families.
@Chuku, I totally agree with you. Yes lets just mourn, and of course people mourn in different ways, some even dive themselves in graves.
I also found it even more sad to be take bodies to Lusaka for “postmortem”. What are they investigating on those angels?
It is better to ask Jesus to control winds than blame each other on earth, even huge Titanic sunk.
it is a fact that when ever he speaks it hurts them only until it he kisses SATA’ s A$$. But he wont, he is too proud for that nonsense. if Mushota the Magg0t can agree with HH what more a fagg0t like you. you must be Bemba…….
But PF leader, what is the issue with linking a tragedy to politics? This is the only way the powers that be can move the country to better heights. It took lot of accidents along great east road for the political authority to upgrade the road to dual carriage way you drive on, in case you do drive in Lsk. So is the case with the Chingola – Kitwe road. You are the one with an issue of not understanding how things interact. Politics is everything, since politicians decides on a number of key and important matters such as improving transport safety.
You people, it is important to find the cause and possible future actions so that this does not happen again. Its not politics. Look at South Korea, there is a very serious trial/enquiry going on right now over the recent ferry accident over there. Here we just mourn and forget that’s why accidents continue
Well said HH your excellence. HH is the only Zambian politician with the right acumen to do what is right for Zambians.
At the time most of PF minions were dining and winning during the 50 years of western dependence day, HH and his team of well meaning Zambians were in Kariba consoling the bereaved families , donating money and food. Where was the Guys Scott ‘s department ,DMMU?.No where because the Western dependence day was more important than the death of over 26 pupils.
When HH speaks or does any good for the whole nation to appreciate, all the PF idoits come out at Kambwili’s command to attack HH as seen on this fora. It seems HH really frightens the whole PF establishment to the point that they want to sh1t in their pants.
When HH speaks all PF minions run scared and go…
Its a pity that most PF minions have very little understanding of what politics means in reality. They think politics is all about making empty promises to be elected and then steal from the people without rising to the challenges many face up and down the country.
HH is practising real politics in the real sense. I do not expect these dull PF minions to understand because they are so blinded by the tuma temporal jobs PF created for them. Yes tuma temporal jobs, because come the next regime or next president within PF those tuma jobs will be given to others.
Let me educate you PF minions what real politics is. Politics starts in your home, when you begin to complain that food , electricity, and transport are expensive and seek the government to intervene.
Viva HH and UPND.
@Mushota
Unlike the rest of your folks, you have for once proved that your mental faculties are intact and you know when to criticise for the sake of appeasement. This what is highly expected of some one living in a developed world genuinely not on PF sponsorship.
Thumbs up
” It is also true that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us.”
Which religion/church teaches this??? I with due respect don’t agree with this statement but I respect the opinion of it’s propounder.
twaunfwa…nomba nishi. HH politics is not talking about anything. Why didnt u in your powerful manner you are with that kinky hair donate a better mode of transport esp that these are people represented by your MPs. who only go in parliament to ask if the house is in order to bring warm water instead of chill water. failing to bring up important issues like this.
@Twende
If your understanding of politics is that shallow please keep your ignorance to your self and stay deluded.
Is HH talking about compulsory swimming lessons in schools? Come on, this was an accident and a very tragic accident indeed. Accidents happen on our roads, in the air, in the mines, on farms etc. Life jackets? Is he going to advocate parachutes for all Zambians thinking of boarding an aircraft? Or let alone sky diving lessons before buying an airline ticket?
This accident could be due to human error. Over crowding, over-speeding or the boat could be ‘not sea worthy’. I am sure many people use this mode of transport daily.
My conclusion is that ka HH is sick in the head. Why not just mourn your compatriots and not mix it politics.? Know when talk politics and know when not to.
Grow up.!
we can make zambia a beta place by being our brothers keeper. its wrong for HH to pretend as if his MP didnt tell him that pipo travel that way.
Well said HH, though your failure to attend the jubilee celebrations was aserious ‘minus’ on you credentials.
@BIG L
Perhaps you are the one that needs to grow up! The role of any leader, be they in the ruling party or the opposition, is to advocate for better living for the people. That responsibility falls squarely on HH and others. Grow up yourself!!
Mushota….I agree too, why can’t the government provide decent transport? They spend millions on expensive cars and ignore the citizens.
It’s really sad.
HH, IT’S BETTER TO KEEP QUITE THAN MOCKING PEOPLE WHO ARE MOURNING. MIND U, U WILL NEVER RULE ZAMBIA. U HAVE TRIED ALL MEANS BUT ALL IN VAIN. DON’T EVEN BE CHEATED BY THOSE MILKING YOUR DUBIOUSILY ACQUIRED RICHES.
COME WHAT MAY, YOU WILL NEVER BECOME PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA. IF WILL ONLY RULE THIS COUNTRY IF GD WILL GO TO SLEEP. MIND YOU, GOD DOES NOT SLEEP AND YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS. INFACT, COME 2016, YOU WILL JUST GIVE UP AND THAT WILL BE THE END OF YOU.
GOD BLESS ZAMBIA AND HIS ONLY EXCELLENCY MICHEAL CHILUFYA SATA.
@Chuku, PF Leader and ftj if you are not politicking and being petty, point out where HH has gone wrong in his message.
oh please! not this ingombe ilede again. Sunny Chintombwa can’t you just offer your condolences without blaming govt? You are spoiling the mood man. Every one in the country is happy, enjoying Edgar Lungu in the driver’s seat taking us to the promised land. You are the only bitter person in the country as at now HH. Change!
Has this guy got an advisor? Even in advanced South Korea we had a smilar accident.No politics
Bembas ,y are so bitter abt HH.This is does not live on politic lik your leaders
Ba mm kaya ndimwe abambo plp kapena azimayi, muzilemekeze mwamvela? Dont bring tribe into this. Are you sure all these bloggers here are bembas? You should grow up!
HH has a point many of the bloggers are failing to understand.HH firstly sympathized with the mourners then he went on to comfort the country for loosing such a big number at once.HH has got money for himself and the family.if you asked among the political leaders including Sata himself the Leader who spent his money for the community you will discover it is HH. For those who are prophesizing that HH will never rule Zambia,you are just wasting your time because HH is a zambian citizen and has all the rights as compared to some president who don’t have friends he grew up with.Wherever he came from.Let us therefore respect our leaders just like you want your Sata to respected.HH is chosen by God as 6th Republican president whether you like it or not.
Have you also become a prophet then?
Which pain and sorrow, HH? You people you were advising people to boycot the celebration and wear your freemasonist uniform of black. Who know how many people you wanted to sacrifice in the process?
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE SAFE TRANSPORT AT THESE WATER BODIES RAISING REVENUE AS WELL AS PROVIDING SAFETY TO OUR FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTER WHO LEFT US. BEFORE ANOTHER TRAGEDY OCCURS PLEASE PROVIDE THE SAFETY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. ITS THE DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT US.THEY CAN BUY BIG BOATS OR PONTOONS AND PLACE THEM AT THESE POINTS FOR SAFE TRANSPORT. PLEASE HELP.
How well are the workers of HH paid? are they happy? Clean your home before you start cleaning for others. Sometimes we want to speak like angels when we know we are not even nearer. Serious, what is Canicious doing in UPD? wHAT IS gARRY nKOMBO DOING in UPD, I THOUGHT GARRY was the right man for the job. but can understand there may be no one in there with financial muscle. any way a lot dance but people never clap all the time.
That’s my President.Full of wisdom and knowledge.Get the best education before aspiration leadership.Dont go to Copperstone university when you are already a minister.My foot!
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THESE FELLOW COUNTRYMEN. BUT ON HH AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, HH NEEDS A NEW MEDIA TEAM.
SINCE HE IS GOOD AT POACHING, WHY DOES HE NOT POACH NEVERS MUMBA’S MEDIA TEAM?
Ba 18:55:48 give us the right picture of the boat involved.
Hutu Holocaust (HH) is just an imbesile. Is there need to politicize everything? What god do you pray to (HH)?
HH will blame PF for 09/11, El kaida, ISS, Bok Haram, Ebola and the poor followers will support him. Pathetic.
What is political about asking government to be responsible? Its not just about mourning. Its about reflecting and assessing what went wrong. Improving on safety where shortcomings are found. Flying would not be as safe as it is now (relative to a few decades ago) if accidents were not investigated and blame apportioned where necessary. We know the levels of health and safety in many areas of Zambia’s human endeavours leave much to be desired. Its folly to simplistically just say ‘it was an accident, let us mourn and move on’. How callous and irresponsible!