Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa and Freeman Razemba Zimpapers Writers
A PRIVATE boat operator’s bid to restore passenger services on Lake Kariba has hit a snag after the vessel failed its first safety inspection, with authorities flagging structural and safety shortcomings that must be addressed before it can be licensed.
The operator applied last week for a permit to ply the Kariba-Chalala route, seeking to fill the gap left by the MV Rida Mbuya Nehanda, which capsized on August 11, killing 97 people.
The vessel was inspected on Friday but failed to meet the required safety standards, delaying hopes of an immediate resumption of ferry services for communities that depend on the lake for transport, fishing and access to markets.
Inland Waters director, Captain Lameck Chitenga, confirmed that the vessel had not yet met the regulatory requirements.
“What I can say for now is that we conducted an inspection of the vessel and there were several safety-related and structural issues that needed to be addressed,” he said.
“Once the issues raised are addressed, we will conduct a second inspection, which will then lead to the issuing of a temporary permit once all regulatory issues are complied with.”
The operator has since submitted registration papers to Government for approval. News of the prospective boat had raised hopes among communities around Lake Kariba who have been without a ferry service since the accident.
Government recently engaged boat operators and other private concerns to explore deploying another vessel on the lake following the tragedy, in which 97 bodies have so far been recovered.
The capsized ferry, which was carrying passengers and goods, flipped over after being struck by strong waves.
President Mnangagwa declared the accident a State of Disaster, enabling Government to mobilise disaster response structures, including funeral services and medical and psycho-social support for affected families. Formal investigations are underway, with authorities examining key operational and compliance issues.
Speaking last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said Government was keen to work with the private sector to find a lasting solution while ensuring that safety requirements were not compromised.
“What we have said again is that our President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is always talking about private sector participation. This is what we have appealed to the people of
Kariba to say let’s put our heads together,” he said.
“As Government, we will play our part, but also as the private sector, they have been doing this business.
So they must come up with the solution, and we will make sure that in terms of registration it’s easier. But in terms of safety, we enhance safety issues. Then we have a boat to ply that route.”
Minister Mhona said investigations into the ferry disaster would be guided by the Inland Waters Shipping Act, with relevant authorities examining maritime safety standards, regulatory compliance and other possible contributing factors.
He urged the public to remain focused on mourning the victims and supporting affected families while investigations and recovery operations continue.
“Government remains committed to strengthening safety measures and protecting all who depend on our waterways,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo appealed for the urgent release of a boat to service the route, saying even a smaller vessel would restore a critical lifeline for residents.
“Even if it’s a smaller boat, because you know it’s only 80km and it links the residents of rural or urban Kariba to their life, which is fishing,” she said.
“You know there are a lot of islands along the lake where they would go and buy or do their fishing,” she said.
Minister Chombo said her office was prepared to support Government initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services for affected communities.
Meanwhile, recovery operations involving multiple agencies, including Civil Protection teams and specialised units, are continuing as Government intensifies efforts to locate missing persons and recover additional remains.
