At least 30 people, most of them teachers, were killed and several others are missing after a boat capsized on the Kwango River in western Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwilu province, an official said on Wednesday.
The accident happened over the weekend, but authorities only confirmed the incident publicly on Wednesday.
Local lawmaker Gary Sakata said the boat was carrying about 100 passengers travelling from the villages of Kingukukapayi, Kusu and Fambondo in Bagata territory.
“The deceased include 20 teachers who were heading to Bandundu city to collect their monthly salaries, while other travelers were heading for shopping ahead of the end-of-year festivities,” Sakata told Top Congo radio.
He criticised what he described as a “dysfunctional” salary payment system for civil servants in rural areas, saying teachers should not have to travel more than 100 kilometres to access their wages.
“We cannot lose 20 teachers, the equivalent of two schools, because they went to collect their salaries more than 100 kilometres away,” he said.
Sakata said around 30 passengers were rescued. The boat was also transporting an estimated 700 bags of cement and cassava.
According to initial accounts, the vessel struck a stationary submerged object, causing it to take on water and sink.
Water transport is widely used across DR Congo due to poor road infrastructure, and fatal accidents are frequent, especially involving overcrowded boats and heavy cargo.