People of Mlowe still using unsafe boats

Communities under Traditional Authority Mwamlowe of Rumphi continue to face transport challenges between Mlowe and Tchalo through the waters of Lake Malawi.

According to Mwamlowe, communities in the area continue to use uncertified boats.

He was speaking when the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) donated a boat to the community.

The donated boat, is currently the only certified boat on the calendar lake waters, and according to Mwamlowe it will be used as an ambulance.

The boat has been certified by the Department of Marine and will be operating between Tchalo and Mlowe Health Centres.

“We have been complaining about the transport challenge and we are tired. People are using unsafe bouts on the waters of Lake Malawi and they are doing this because they do not have any option.

“This donated bout is relief to us but looking at demand, it means many will still be using unsafe bouts,” Mwamlowe said.

Tevata through Mobile Tevet Training Programme trained some youth in the area on how they can assemble a wooden boat as one way of responding to the transport challenges.

Teveta Executive Director Elwin Sichiola said the institution will soon introduce engine repairing training in the districts along Lake Malawi, so that maintenance should no longer be a problem in the shoreline communities.

“We trained them because we realised that the transport challenge is huge here. We will then also come back and train the youth in boat engine maintenance to help address transport problems to communities along the Lake.

In 2017, a boat capsized in the area, killing five as 20 others went missing.