Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A passenger and cargo ferry that was recently certified has started operating on Lake Kariba, restoring water transport on the busy Kariba-Chalala route.
MV Silverstone, operated by Most High Ferries, was officially launched in September and is expected to fill the gap left by MV Rida Mbuya Nehanda, which capsized on August 11, killing 97 people.
The MV Silverstone has the capacity to carry 60 passengers and four crew members, and was certified to transport both passengers and cargo.
In an interview, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona confirmed the developments.
“We launched but had to wait for the traditional rites to be completed. The ferry boat has since started operating.
“However, RIDA is procuring two additional boats. While we are doing the procurement processes, the Silverstone is mitigating the gap left by the RIDA boat. Our Lake Captain has gone through the necessary approvals of the boat in terms of safety issues and compliance, so they are ready to start,” he said.
In another interview, Most High Ferries director, Mr Hillard Mangove confirmed that operations have commenced and reiterated that the company has put in place additional safety measures.
The ferry will carry at least 120 life jackets and floaters, almost double its passenger and crew capacity, while two speedboats will accompany the vessel.
The vessel will operate along the Kariba-Chalala route, with stops at the Kings Camp Fishing Camp and Musambakaruma Fishing Camp.
A trip from Kariba to King’s Camp will cost US$8, while passengers travelling to Musambakaruma will pay US$13. Those travelling to Chalala will pay US$15.
A direct trip from Kariba to Chalala will cost US$15.
The ferry has also been designed to support the local lake economy by transporting goods such as ice blocks for preserving fish, as well as the salt used in drying and preserving kapenta.
The development comes after traditional leaders in Kariba held a two-day cleansing ceremony following the disaster, with the rituals led by Chief Mola and Chief Priest Lusinga at Snake Island, Kariba Island and the dam wall.
The Government inquiry into the August disaster has since commenced.
