Bishop Musikuwa Concerned About Marine Accident in Nsanje
Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese has expressed deep concern over the recent marine accident at Phokera Dock in the area of Senior Chief Mbenje, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Nsanje, Malawi: Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese has expressed deep concern over the recent marine accident at Phokera Dock in the area of Senior Chief Mbenje, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The accident occurred on May 19, 2023, when a boat carrying passengers and goods capsized. At least 20 people were killed, and many more are still missing.
Bishop Musikuwa is the second top official to visit the scene and the affected families after Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Sidik Mia, whom President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera sent to condole the bereaved families.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the suffering that this accident has caused," said Bishop Musikuwa.
"I pray for the souls of the departed and for the comfort of their families."
The bishop has urged the affected people not to lose heart but to keep looking to God.
"Yes, I know we have lost our beloved ones, but let us lean our hopes on the Creator," he said.
He has also appealed to the authorities to find solutions to prevent such accidents from happening again.
"We need to do more to ensure the safety of our people," he said.
"We need to improve the safety of our boats, and we need to make sure that our waterways are properly regulated."
Nsanje Lalanje Member of Parliament Gladys Ganda has hailed Roman Catholic Bishop Peter Musikuwa for the prayers she said have come at the right time.
"Since we experienced the boat accident and during the searches for the missing persons, I have been appealing for prayers if we are to be bailed from the current trauma," she said.
The parliamentarian promised to adhere to the advice given and indeed to implement the measures that will prevent marine accidents again.
Ganda thanked the Roman Catholic Church for the prayers and urged other churches to emulate the gesture by the Catholic Church.