Ministering through the Pantoon

Those who have been in the Western Province and especially those who live at the  Nalionwa Mission know something about the pontoon at the Zambezi River. Situated at a 45 minutes drive from Mongu the Zambezi River is a big obstacle in order to reach Kalabo, since there is no bridge to cross the river. And this is during the dry season when the “road” is open.

For centuries there has never been a road between Mongu and Kalabo, one of its districts. This is due to the many canals between the Zambezi River and Mongu and the power of the floods in the Baroste plain. The only means of transportation is canoes and speed-boats. 

This is the situation from November to July. Starting in August, when the plain begins to dry, there are different pathways to connect Mongu to Kalabo; but whatever pathways you take, you have to come face to face with the Zambezi River. There the pontoon comes into play.

This pontoon, is run by the Oblates. There is a long story about the ownership of the pontoon. Western Province Politicians are involved. It is no secret that politicians always call upon  Church leaders when they need quality and reliable services in the social area in the life of communities.

This is the reason why, despite its old age and wrecked appearances, the Oblates are maintaining it since it has become one of the pastoral needs. Money raised during the active pontoon season has never been enough to cover the cost of repairs. It costs a lot of money to repair the three floaters, maintain the two engines, and the water pump, and to pay the salaries of workers.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate accepted to run the pontoon to help the communities of the Kalabo district to be connected to the rest of the country.

This allows all travelers, business men and women to circulate easily. It is during the dry season that business flourishes in the district of Kalabo. Traffic is very intense, ferrying goods and transporting people. The pontoon is then on high demand. It operates from 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM with only a 30 minutes stop in the afternoon for workers’ lunchtime.

In the eyes of people, the pontoon is a big business as each vehicle pays a crossing fee of about $15-$20, according to the size of the motor vehicle and the load. But in reality, it is a ministry on its own. Run by the Oblate Community of Kalabo, they spend time, energy, human and material resources to make sure that the pontoon functions normally.  It is not with business in mind, that they take care of the old pontoon. But it is with a pastorally oriented mind on how best to serve the community.

A business oriented management of the pontoon would have suggested its closure without delay; but how can Oblates drop such a ministry that benefits the whole district. Sacrifice has been the main motive in this kind of ministry.   Oblates sacrifice their resting time, traveling in the early hours of morning or late in the night to get to the pontoon and deliver a mechanic, a spare part or fuel. They are not paid for this.

It is a new way of ministering to a large community. It is not surprising that during rush hours, an Oblate vehicle would line up for hours waiting its turn to cross. It has always been a lesson of sacrifice through humility, as some of the rough and ill tempered drivers change their attitudes and manners, when they discover an Oblate vehicle in the waiting line.

The prospect of a modern and new pontoon with diesel engines would be a better solution. People of good will may look into this issue as it would reduce the expenses on fuel and repairs. The crossing fee could be lowered and services improved.

The pontoon will still be needed as long as the Mongu-Kalabo road under construction by Consolidated Contractor Company of Kuwait is not completed with a bridge.

May people of Good will come to our help.

                                     ( By Fr Cyril Keba)   

 

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