The Luapula Province Minister, Nason Musonda, has described the tragic drowning of 10 men in Luena River and the lightning strike that killed another as not only painful but a great loss to Kawambwa District and the nation.

Speaking during a church service at Poosa Primary School in Kabanse Ward, Hon. Musonda assured bereaved families that the government stands with them in their grief and has taken steps to improve safety on the river by constructing a footbridge within a month. He also disclosed that the stalled construction of a permanent bridge will resume and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Minister commended President Hakainde Hichilema for providing logistical and emotional support to the affected families. He also urged Kawambwa Sugar Company to reconsider its early reporting times, as employees currently cross the river in unsafe conditions at around 03:00 AM. He further called on the company to compensate the families of the deceased workers.

Kawambwa Town Council Chairperson, Titus Musa, also expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing that most of the deceased were family breadwinners. He called for unity and peace among the people of Kabanda while thanking the government for its full support during the funeral proceedings.

Meanwhile, Chief Representative Ackim Chola Musonda, who is also Senior Headman Mwaba, blamed the non-completion of the bridge for the loss of lives. He warned that if no action is taken soon, more lives will be lost.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 24th March 2025, when a boat carrying 10 Kawambwa Sugar Company employees capsized in Luena River. Later, a man watching the retrieval of the bodies was struck by lightning and died on the spot.

The Zambian government has promised urgent intervention to prevent future tragedies.