By Felix Katemula

Karonga, June 25, Mana: Karonga Police Station has proposed the creation of Marine Police Department in the district for it to be able to carry out patrols, search and rescue missions in times of disasters and incidents of drowning on Lake Malawi.

Officer in Charge for Karonga Police Station, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kelvin Mulezo Monday revealed this during a protection cluster coordination meeting held in the district.

He said that, "We fail to execute our duties well in times of disasters and when there are incidences of drowning at the lake because we fail to do search and rescue operations. We have seen a significant increase in incidences of drowning on the lake and rivers in the district. We have proposed the creation of the Marine Department to be stationed at Chilumba Jetty.

Mulezo added that all the official communication processes on the need and creation of the department have already been forwarded to appropriate offices within the Malawi Police Service.

“We have submitted our proposals to the Northern Region Police Commissioner informing him of this issue.  We have started the process of reviewing our five-year strategic development plan which will reflect the current needs of the service,” he added.

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi welcomed the development saying in the past, search and rescue operations have been hampered by lack of Police boats which resulted in loss of lives.

A fisherman at Mandala Beach, Robinson Mwenibungu underscored the importance of Marine Police saying this would go a long way in saving lives of fishermen on the lake who face the risk of drowning.

"Currently, when one drowns, they are left helpless. We the fishermen, lack equipment to save and search for our friends when such disaster happens. The coming of maritime police will bring in the much-needed equipment and expertise in rescue missions,” he observed.