In a tragic incident in Masaka City, a 19-year-old teenager named Steven Mugambwa became trapped inside a 70-feet deep well. The victim was working on the construction of a water shaduf, a hand-operated device for lifting water, at Cheers Guest House in Bulayi Village.
Eyewitnesses report that Mugambwa entered the hole on Sunday and was buried under the bricks being used to build around the Shaduf. Despite efforts to contact him, there was no response. The owner of Cheers Guest House had hired Mugambwa without proper licenses, which has prompted a police investigation into their hiring process.
The incident has raised concerns about the lack of safety measures in well construction. Gorreth Namugenyi, the grandmother of the deceased, emphasized the importance of hiring qualified professionals for such work. In a similar incident earlier this year at Kkingo Parents School, another person lost their life due to improper well construction.
The Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, has called for accountability from the owner of the guest house, as well as a thorough investigation into the hiring process. The police are also waiting for a team of experts from the Police’s Directorate of Fire and Rescue Services to help retrieve Mugambwa’s body.
Local authorities in Masaka City have been urged to enforce regulations that require developers to hire qualified experts for deep well construction. The aim is to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Implementing safety measures and ensuring that professionals with the necessary licenses are involved in well construction will help safeguard workers and prevent fatal accidents.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in construction work, particularly when dealing with deep wells. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to prioritize safety, invest in proper training, and adhere to regulations to protect workers’ lives. Only through a collective effort can we prevent such unfortunate incidents and safeguard those working in potentially hazardous environments.
FAQ Section:
Q: What happened in Masaka City?
A: A 19-year-old teenager named Steven Mugambwa became trapped inside a 70-feet deep well while working on the construction of a water shaduf at Cheers Guest House.
Q: How did the incident occur?
A: Mugambwa was buried under the bricks being used to build around the shaduf and was unable to respond to attempts to contact him.
Q: Why is there a police investigation?
A: The owner of Cheers Guest House hired Mugambwa without proper licenses, leading to an investigation into their hiring process.
Q: What concerns have been raised due to this incident?
A: The lack of safety measures in well construction is a cause for concern, as it has resulted in fatalities in the past.
Q: What actions are being taken?
A: The police are calling for accountability from the guest house owner and are waiting for a team of experts to help retrieve Mugambwa’s body. Local authorities have been urged to enforce regulations for hiring qualified experts for deep well construction.
Definitions:
1. Shaduf: A hand-operated device used for lifting water, typically consisting of a long pivoted pole with a bucket on one end and a counterweight on the other.
2. Eyewitnesses: People who witnessed the incident firsthand and can provide firsthand accounts of what occurred.
3. Licenses: Legal permits or authorizations required for certain activities or occupations, in this case, construction work.
4. Directorate of Fire and Rescue Services: A department within the police responsible for handling fire, emergency rescue, and related services.
Suggested Related Links:
Uganda Police Official Website