The Kasama Municipal Council has announced the suspension of operations of the Safwa Pontoon due to rising water levels on the Chambeshi River. Kasama Town Clerk, Innocent Mutambo, announced that the suspension will take effect on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Mr Mutambo explained that the increased water levels have affected the pontoon’s ability to operate efficiently.
He noted that the docking bays on both sides of the river have been submerged, making it difficult for motorists to board and disembark from the ferry. The town clerk warned that continued operations under the current conditions could endanger the lives of people. He further stated that the council was incurring high operational costs due to increased fuel consumption and wear on the equipment caused by the strong river currents.
Mr Mutambo who was speaking shortly after inspecting the pontoon said the decision to suspend operations was made to safeguard the lives of people crossing the river to travel between Northern and Muchinga Provinces. He added that the council plans to procure boats which would be assisting residents to cross during the period the pontoon will remain closed. Meanwhile, Kasama Municipal Council Acting Director of Engineering, Mwila Chitundu, said the high-water levels have made it difficult for the pontoon to operate effectively.
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Mr Chitundu explained that the guiding rope had been submerged, making maintenance difficult when faults occurred. He added that the pontoon was currently unable to reach the opposite side of the river as the embankment had been flooded. And a Safwa resident, Nkole Kalala, commended the council for suspending operations before any lives were lost.
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