President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that no further loss of life at any higher learning institution will be acceptable, emphasizing that no family should have to receive such tragic news.
The President’s remarks follow the death of 18-year-old University of Zambia (UNZA) student Emmanuel Bwalya, who drowned in an open pit that had been dug to repair a blocked sewer system at the institution.
Earlier, the Head of State had directed immediate action after the university experienced sanitation challenges linked to blocked and ageing sewer lines.
In a statement issued after learning of the incident, President Hichilema said there is a need to address the sanitation challenges not only at the University of Zambia but across all higher learning institutions and colleges.
“No further loss is acceptable. No family should ever receive this kind of news again,” he said.
The President also urged students who protested following the incident to remain calm and engage through dialogue.
State House Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the Head of State was deeply saddened by the incident.
“President Hakainde Hichilema has learnt with profound sadness of the death of Emmanuel Bwalya, a second-year student in the School of Humanities at the University of Zambia. Emmanuel was a young Zambian with a bright future ahead of him. His loss is truly a tragedy for his family, his fellow students, and the nation at large.
“The Head of State extends his deepest condolences to Emmanuel’s family, the entire University community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” he said.
The President has urged the nation to keep Emmanuel’s family in prayer as they mourn their son.
“Let this be a moment where we come together with a shared commitment to resolving the challenges facing not only the University of Zambia, but all higher learning institutions and colleges,” Hamasaka stated.
How can this happen in a civilized society? Open pit in a public area?
Left uncovered? How big was this pit? Who are the engineers?