Four people are feared dead in Chavuma district in North Western Province after a boat they were travelling in capsized owing to heavy currents on the Zambezi River.
The boat was carried away by heavy currents and capsized as the quartet was crossing the Zambezi River from Chavuma Boma to Sanjongo on Monday.
District Administration Officer Mangalilo Sheyama confirmed the incident to ZNBC in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Mr.Mangalilo said among those feared dead is a teacher James Solochi, his son and two other unknown people.
A rescue operation has been launched for what may seem too late to save life.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mangalilo says Chavuma District is experiencing heavy floods as a result of the rise in the water levels on the Zambezi River.
[ ZNBC ]
Please mandate life jackets for water transportation. These are such unnecessary deaths.
#1.point well noted…The government needs to provide a safe crossing boat or build a bridge in order to avoid such unnecessary deaths..
The cost of a life jacket for all the viallgers is not a simple matter. It is also important to use common sense judgement especially overloading, and venturing on angry waters in defiance of the storm.
baka chinyama ikaa.takecare of yourselves.
With or without life jackets its very dangerous to cross the mighty Yambezi river during the rain season. I doubt if these pipo were using reliable boats or just dug out canoes. What is Hon Ken Konggo doing about mode of transport for residents of Chavuma who cross the river to and from daily. This is not the first time some pipo have died in similar circustances. This man James Solochi is not the tall guy who was at SOTECH now and trained at Solwezi Teachers during the 1980’s. More info plz. My hearts goes to the families of the deceased plz look up to God for strength during this trying moment.