CHISHALA MUSONDA
Livingstone
SOUTHERN Province Permanent Secretary Namani Monze has assured that Government is making corrective measures and ensuring that the Maramba-Libuyu bridge is safe for use.
Dr Monze said Government is committed to making the Maramba–Libuyu crossing safe and accessible, particularly for school-going children, following persistent challenges caused by flash floods.
He said work had already been undertaken since the onset of flash floods but acknowledged that more needs to be done to provide a sustainable solution.
“The purpose of coming here again is to respond to the concerns that have been raised by stakeholders,” Dr Monze said.
He said Government’s latest engagement was prompted by complaints from the church, describing it as an important partner in community advocacy.
“Father John Rurangwa was here and you heard his sentiments. The church’s job is to advocate, and the job of Government is to respond.
That is why we are here to engage the provincial administration, government institutions and the Diocese of Livingstone to understand exactly what the issues are,” he said.
Dr Monze said the flooding of the Maramba River had continued to disrupt access to essential services, particularly education and health.
“The church has been following the situation closely and they have spoken about schoolchildren. Whenever it rains and the river floods, children fail to access school,” he said.
He recalled a recent medical emergency in which a pregnant woman had to be airlifted due to the impassable crossing.
“Two weeks ago, one of our patients had to be evacuated by air, a story which was covered by the media. While we are happy that the patient safely delivered twins, air evacuation is not a sustainable solution,” Dr Monze said.
He assured that Government is now working towards a long-term intervention to ensure uninterrupted access across the bridge.
Fr Rurangwa said each time the bridge floods because of heavy rains, it disrupts social and economic activities for people staying across.
The Maramba-Libuyu bridge is one of the two crossing points in Livingstone that recently flooded following a downpour.
