A civic leader in Mbala District, William Sinkamba has expressed concern over the alarming rate of early marriages and teen pregnancies in his ward.

In an interview with ZANIS, Mr Sinkamba, Intala Ward Councillor, says he is saddened that his ward has recorded high rates of early marriages and teen pregnancies.

He observed that the situation is not only a serious challenge to the development of the ward but poses a serious threat to the future of the girl child.

He said recently the Ward recorded two cases of early pregnancies.

Mr Sikamba disclosed that it is disheartening to see young girls being forced into early marriages and becoming pregnant at tender ages when they are supposed to be in school.

The Ward Councillor attributed this to cultural practice and  a lack of parental guidance.

Mr Sikamba emphasised the need for parents and guardians to take advantage of the government’s free education policy to ensure their children, especially girls, have access to education.

Recently, a grade 6 pupil fell pregnant, while another, a grade 10 pupil who was also on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) sponsorship became pregnant.