Mpika Council advises residents on extra safety measures after elderly woman found dead in well

Mpika Town Council Fire Brigade officers are said to have retrieved the lifeless body of an elderly woman from a deep well in the Diocese area.

According to a statement issued by the Council’s Public Relations Unit on Monday, the body was retrieved after officers were alerted to the incident.

“We, as the local authority, are deeply concerned about the rising cases of individuals becoming trapped in deep water wells, some of which are over 25 meters deep,” the statement read.

To address the danger, Mpika Town Council Division Fire Officer, Reuben Mukonde, has issued safety guidelines aimed at preventing further loss of lives.

Among the measures, residents are advised against entering wells deeper than 10 metres due to risks such as oxygen deficiency, structural collapse, and slipping.

“The public is strongly urged to avoid descending into wells, even for purposes such as drawing water. All wells must be covered with strong, durable, and lockable lids to prevent accidents, particularly involving children and livestock,” the statement emphasized.

The Council further encouraged residents to use proper water pumps or seek assistance from relevant water authorities instead of attempting to enter the wells themselves.

Parents and guardians were also urged to supervise children closely, while community leaders were called upon to identify and secure hazardous wells.

The public has been encouraged to promptly report any open or dangerous wells to the authorities.

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