The government has temporarily halted operation of the Mbesuma Pontoon in Mungwi District due to high water levels on the Chambeshi River.
The pontoon provides a crucial link connecting Northern Province through Mungwi District to Isoka and Chinsali Districts in Muchinga Province.
Mungwi District Commissioner Muma Musonda, who is also the District Disaster Management Committee Chairperson, announced the development when he led a team of engineers from the council to assess the situation.
Mr Musonda explained that the water levels had risen greatly and were posing a danger to both motorists and people using the pontoon.
He advised the travelling public from Northern and Muchinga Provinces to use alternative routes to avoid being inconvenienced.
Mungwi Town Council Secretary Mwansa Mfula said the closure had been done to prevent any possible accidents.
Dr Mfula has since cautioned motorists and pedestrians to avoid using the route until further notice.
He said the pontoon will only resume operation once water levels subsided and were deemed safe for users.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause to our people. We are urging them to either go through Mpika or Mbala to get to Northern Province,” Dr Mfula explained.
And a motorist, Friday Mulenga, also warned motorists using the Isoka/Mbesuma road to use alternative routes until the water levels subside.
Mr Mutale disclosed that a portion of the road near the Mbesuma had also been washed away by the strong current.
“The water levels have increased; therefore, people should not risk driving on the road,” Mr Mulenga warned.
Meanwhile, Mirriam Bwalya disclosed that Mbesuma village near the pontoon had also been flooded.
Ms Bwalya said people were using canoes to go and buy food, adding that people’s fields had also been submerged in water.
She appealed to government to consider relocating the residents and flood victims to higher land for their safety.
