14/06/2026
๐ช๐๐ง๐ข๐ฃ๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ก๐ง๐ข๐ข๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ง๐ช๐ข-๐ช๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ฅ๐จ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ง๐๐ก๐๐ก๐๐
In a move aimed at safeguarding regional transit infrastructure between Western and Northwestern Provinces, Lukulu Town Council has officially announced a temporary suspension of all pontoon services at Watopa. The operational halt is scheduled to take effect from Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and will run through Tuesday, July 1, 2026.
According to a public notice issued by the local authority on June 12, the two-week closure is necessary to facilitate essential maintenance works on the vital water crossing facility. The comprehensive overhaul will be directly undertaken by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
The local authority states that the structured engineering routine is critical to significantly improving the long-term safety, operational reliability, and overall efficiency of the pontoon, which serves as a logistical lifeline for commuters, motorists, and trade logistics across the river.
Local commuters, logistics companies, and commercial transport operators who rely heavily on the Watopa crossing are being urged to reconfigure their transit schedules immediately. Normal pontoon operations are expected to resume promptly on Wednesday, July 2, 2026, following the completion and inspection of the technical upgrades.
Lukulu Town Council Secretary Chatiwa Akatama expressed deep regret over the unavoidable disruption this necessary engineering work will bring to daily commutes.
"The Local Authority sincerely regrets any inconvenience that may be caused by this temporary measure and appeals to all users to make alternative travel arrangements during this period," Akatama stated in the directive.
Travelers planning routes through the area are advised to monitor updates from local transport authorities and seek alternative river crossings or bypass routes well in advance of the Wednesday deadline.
By Lukulu Fm.
