Police in Nsanje District have underscored the importance for people to observe precautionary measures when crossing Shire River to prevent drowning.
The caution comes after 37 people drowned between January and November this year while crossing the river on boats or canoes.
To share safety tips, police conducted a meeting with canoe operators, area disaster risk management committee, village beach committees and fishers from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbenje in the district.
Mtayamoyo. I Martin Gela Jnr
In an interview on Monday, Nsanje Police Station Marine Department Inspector Innocent Matako said they recorded 37 cases this year compared with 18 during the corresponding period last year.
He said the district registered most cases from Mtayamoyo, Phokera and Kaombe fishing grounds in T/A Mbenje.
“These are cases that people reported to us. I believe that other cases went unreported. This is worrisome; hence, the training to mitigate the rising cases,” said Matako.
Mbenje area disaster risk management committee chairperson Stella Maguza said the training was informative as it also tackled other areas such as how to protect lives during floods.
Fisher David Mulutali, who catches fish at Phokera Fishing Ground, said he learned about safety measures during fishing.
“The police told us to wear life-saving jackets or to use empty plastic jerry cans which will keep us afloat during marine accidents,” he said.
Mtayamoyo Fishing Ground chairperson Osman Adiali said they were told not to allow children sail canoes across the river.
“We will formulate by-laws to ensure that people abide by regulations. All canoes that are not in good condition will not be allowed to sail across the river,” he said.
Police in the district are raising the awareness with support from Concern Worldwide, through its Anticipatory Action Project.
Among others, some people in the district cross the Shire to cultivate on the Mozambican side while others use it for fishing.
