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Heavy downpour washes away bridge in Chief Tungati’s area of Luwingu district
Luwingu, 28th March 2014-ZANIS- Heavy rains have washed away a bridge in chief Tungati area of Luwingu district in the Northern Province.
And Mununshi and Kafinsa bridges which were recently washed away by heavy floods in Kafinsa ward in senior chieftainess Tungati have not been repaired forcing the community to walk long distances to access health services.
PF Mwelawamangu ward councillor Godfrey Kaoma confirmed to ZANIS in an interview in Luwingu District today.
Mr. Kaoma said that Mwauka Bridge was washed away by floods following heavy rains which lasted for several hours on Monday 24th March 2014.
He said that following the washed away bridge, pupils are no longer accessing school at Tungati primary school especially grade one to five for fear of their lives.
Mr Kaoma said parents have temporary withdrawn their children from school because of fearing that children attempting to cross the river may be swept away by the heavy current.
He said that pregnant mothers have been affected too because they are also not able to attend maternal health services at Tungati health centre.
The ward councillor appealed to the disaster Management and mitigation unit (DDMMU) to quickly rush to the area and ascertain the damage and also for possible assistance.
Mr Kaoma said the community of Kansasa and some parts of Fikonkota have been cut off from accessing Tungati primary and health services which is the central business place and instead are forced to travel to Luwingu district which also a distant.
Meanwhile Mununshi and Kafinsa bridges which were washed away by heavy floods in Kafinsa ward in senior chieftainess Tungati have not been repaired forcing the community to walk long distances to access health services.
PF Kafinsa ward councillor John Mulenga disclosed to ZANIS in Luwingu today, that despite the district disaster management and mitigation unit coming to assess the situation the problem has remained the same.
Mr Mulenga said the bridges were washed away in December last year but nothing has been done. He appealed to the office of the vice president to release funds to enable the community construct the damaged bridges.
He said many children who were attending school at Chungu primary school have been forced to stop school because of the washes bridges last year.
And Luwingu district commissioner Mambwe Katontoka confirmed the development to Zambia news and information services that Mwauka Bridge was washed away by heavy current on Monday this week.
Mrs Katontoka said that the report of Mwauka Bridge has since been forwarded to the office of the permanent secretary for possible funding so that a permanent bridge is constructed.
She further said Mununshi and Kafinsa reports were forwarded to the provincial disaster and mitigation unit waiting for possible funding.
