Boat tragedy victims’ kin ask for divers
What you need to know:
- By Monday, not a single person among the eight had been found after their vessel capsized in River Nzoia on Saturday.
- This comes as the Busia county government said it will team up with the national government to construct a bridge at Sigiri in Bunyala sub-county to avoid boat accidents that have claimed lives of people crossing River Nzoia.
- “We want to build a bridge at Siginga, which locals can use to cross the river safely from Port Victoria to Mau Mau,” said Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.
Families of victims of a boat accident in Budalang’i have urged the county and national governments to send divers to search for their beloved ones.
By Monday, not a single person among the eight had been found after their vessel capsized in River Nzoia on Saturday.
Ms Hellen Akello, who fears her two daughters and a son perished in the tragedy, said: “We ask the government to involve divers from the Navy in the search for the bodies of our beloved ones before it is too late.”
FUNERAL PREPARATIONS
She also appealed for assistance in funeral preparations.
Another villager, Ms Everlyne Akotch, said she had lost hope of ever seeing her only son again.
This comes as the Busia county government said it will team up with the national government to construct a bridge at Sigiri in Bunyala sub-county to avoid boat accidents that have claimed lives of people crossing River Nzoia.
“We want to build a bridge at Siginga, which locals can use to cross the river safely from Port Victoria to Mau Mau,” said Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.
Mr Ojaamong said the executive committee would meet to discuss the tragedy and action to be taken to curb boat tragedies along the river.
He said his government would also purchase life-saver jackets for passenger boats but on condition they do not overload.
The region has three crossing points: Sigiri, Siginga and Narera.
“My government will do everything at its disposal to avert boat disasters in River Nzoia,” added the county boss.
He spoke after visiting the bereaved families at Siginga, where he donated food.
Mr Oaamong criticised the national government, saying it had failed to build a bridge at Sigiri despite promising to do so for many years.
Bunyala South ward representative Stephen Omenda warned boat owners against overloading.
“The boat owners should give first priority to the safety of passengers and stop overloading to avoid accidents,” he said.
In 2012, a boat capsized at the Sigiri crossing point, killing more than 10 passengers.
