Mpika Council warns residents against unsafe well-digging methods after successful rescue

Mpika Town Council has cautioned residents against unsafe methods of digging wells after a 28-year-old man, identified as Enock Kaira of Shipilishi Village, narrowly escaped death while deepening a well.

The council said in a statement on Saturday that its Fire Brigade successfully rescued Kaira, who had been trapped in a 15-metre-deep well after being overcome by a lack of oxygen.

“The team rapidly assessed the situation and employed specialized rescue techniques, resulting in the successful rescue of Enock Kaira, aged 28, of Shipilishi Village,” the statement read.

The rescue operation was led by Sub Officer Kasonda Nerbert and included Firefighter Driver Chansa Chilambwe, Firefighter Timothy Mumbi, and Firefighter Misheck Kainda.

According to preliminary investigations, Kaira had been deepening the well early Saturday morning to reach a lowering water table when he was overcome by exhaustion and could not climb out.

The council noted that such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with working in deep wells or confined spaces without proper safety precautions and supervision.

Mpika Town Council Fire Division Officer Reuben Mukonde emphasized the importance of promptly reporting similar emergencies to the Fire Brigade and urged residents to exercise caution when working in hazardous environments.

“The Mpika Town Council remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through proactive emergency response and public safety education,” Mukonde stated.

The council also disclosed that incidents of people being trapped or losing their lives while digging wells have become common in the district, with a recent case resulting in the death of a man who suffocated while digging.

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