FOUR children from Bulige village in Msalala District, Shinyanga Region, have died after falling in a well.

The mother of   the children also died while attempting to rescue them according to Kahama District Fire and Rescue Service Commander Stanley Luhwago.

Luhwago confirmed the deaths    yesterday, explaining that the incident occurred on February 15 at around 11 p.m. when the children, who had been coming from the farm, passed by the pit and decided to swim.

Luhwago explained that the pit was previously used for sand extraction for construction and clay for pottery, and had filled with water due to the ongoing rains. The pit had become a common spot for various activities, including swimming by children.

Luhwago confirmed that the deceased   were Zawadi Nkwambi (13), Khadija Nkwambi (11), Rahel Peter (11), Samike Peter (1), and Samike’s mother, Hoja Kubo (29), who died while attempting to rescue the children.

He also urged residents to fence off any water wells they have dug on their areas and to cover open latrines  , as children often play and wander into dangerous areas.

 He reminded them to use the emergency number 114 to report incidents so that timely assistance can be provided.

Allen Mahanga, chairman of Bulige village, said it was difficult to recover the bodies as the pit was filled with water, necessitating the use of a pump to drain it.

Two of the bodies had become trapped at the bottom, but they managed to retrieve them and hand them over to the family for burial.

Mahanga said measures had been put in place to fence off all pits used for sand extraction. Those who fail to comply will face legal action.

Kahama District Commissioner Mboni Mhita stated that all areas with pits or water wells should be fenced off and have designated entrances and exits to prevent   access to children. He emphasised that no death, especially drowning, will be acceptable in our communities.

Mhita also called on the Urban and Rural Road Agency (TARURA) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to inform village and ward leaders about pits left behind after sand extraction so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent accidents  particularly of   children and livestock.