Towns of Barotseland
Kalabo
The largest Zambian town on the west side of the Zambezi. Two hospitals,
the Government one in town and the Yuka Hospital a few miles further up
the Luanginga. Determined work
by the missions and other agencies have made inroads into the hopelesness
and isolation which saps creative energy and drives most of those with
aspiration to seek opportunity in the big city ... but a year round reliable
link with Mongu and the rest of the world could make
a vast difference. Perhaps a hovercraft ferry across
the plain should be a part of this? We had been asked to look further into
the possibilities of providing such a service but the new road, when it
is completed, may meet the need better.
Zambezi
Further to the north this centre has a good airport; but we understand
that it is no longer manned. Would an occasional scheduled hovercraft visit
help?
Lukulu
Mission and hospital beside the Zambezi serve a
network of outstations far into the bush on both sides of the river.
Mongu
The provincial capital. Centre for trade and aid. Shops, a bustling market
and harbour, churches, an airport. Reasonable, all weather, road access
to Lusaka. Regular and developing bus and air links with other parts of
the country.
Senanga
An attractive town on the east bank of the Zambezi
River south of Mongu. A pontoon enables travellers to continue their
journey towards Sioma, but when we last wanted to follow that route our
vehicle did not have sufficient wading capacity (at least 4ft) to safely
make it as far as the ferry!
Sioma
Here the river readies herself for a change: from sweeping, flooding broadness
to constraint and cataracts.
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