Binga fishermen fight for survival on neglected Zambezi riverbank

Ibin Munsaka

Once a vibrant hub teeming with life, Kalulwe Fishing Camp now simmers with discontent. Fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the bounty of the Zambezi River, watch their dreams languish due to years of neglect by the local authority. The serene banks that were once a source of prosperity now echo with frustration, a stark contrast to the gentle lapping of the water.

Weaving in personal narratives of Kalulwe fishermen, Master Muleya, a man whose life has been intertwined with the Zambezi for years, told Community Podium that the council had been collecting money from the fishermen without reinvesting it back into the development of the fishing camp. “It’s like they take a piece of our future with every payment,” he lamented. The fishermen were growing increasingly resentful as they witnessed their hard-earned money being siphoned away without any visible improvements.

One of the major issues faced by the camp was accessibility and lack of treated water. Traders, who played a vital role in the local economy by purchasing the fishermen’s catch, found it challenging to reach the camp due to the absence of a proper road. Instead, they were forced to rely on boat transportation, which was not always feasible for traders unfamiliar with sailing. Recognizing the importance of traders to the camp’s prosperity, the fishermen appealed to the local authority to construct a road that would make it easier for traders to access the camp.

Moses Muzamba, the then chairperson of Kalulwe Fishing Camp, accompanied by some of his committee members Smart Munsaka and Mackson Mutale, took it upon themselves to voice the concerns of the fishermen to the local authority. They tirelessly advocated for improved service delivery, hoping for positive change. However, despite their efforts, the response from the local authority was disheartening. The fishermen were met with empty promises, and two years have passed without any real action being taken. Frustration has grown among the fishermen as they felt abandoned and neglected by the very institution that should be supporting them. The fishermen were left to wonder if their pleas for assistance had fallen on deaf ears.

Despite the hardships they face, the fishermen of Kalulwe Fishing Camp refuse to give up hope. They understad the importance of their community and their potential for economic growth. With resilience and determination, they organized community meetings to map the way forward.

Local Board Administrator, Never Mwinde explained the plans of the local authority for fishing camps that are within its jurisdiction. Mwinde said they have pledged to prioritize the development of fishing camps including Kalulwe Fishing Camp. “Everything is in the pipe line and plans have been set in motion to allocate funds for the construction of a road and the provision of essential amenities in the near future” he said.

News about the plight of Kalulwe Fishing Camp is spreading, catching the attention of concerned citizens and organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable development. The fishermen’s struggle has become a rallying point for others who face similar challenges, inspiring them to fight for their rights and demand the service delivery they deserved.