Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
GOVERNMENT has provided over 75 tonnes of mealie-meal and rice to families affected by the Kariba ferry disaster as authorities step up efforts to support survivors and rebuild livelihoods in Nyaminyami District.
The assistance, being provided through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Development in partnership with other stakeholders, includes food aid, cash transfers, psychosocial support and educational assistance for children affected by the tragedy.
Government has also availed 200 tonnes of grain for the wider Kariba District to cushion communities against hunger.
The support comes just a month after the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda ferry sank on August 11, killing 97 people in one of the country’s worst transport disasters since independence.
Speaking to Zimpapers on Monday during Public Service, Labour and Social Development Minister Edgar Moyo’s visit to the Mola community, survivors and families of the victims expressed gratitude for the continued Government assistance.
One of the survivors, Mr Chance Siamvura, said the tragedy had left families struggling to rebuild their lives.
“We are grateful to the Government for the ongoing support. When the tragic accident occurred, no one was prepared. We lost our loved ones, but on top of that we also lost valuables and money.
“As we rebuild our lives again, we are grateful to the Government and development partners for their unwavering support,” he said.
Mr Siamvura, a father of five, survived the accident. He was travelling from Harare, where he had gone to write a motor mechanics examination.
Another survivor, Mr Current Siakalumba, said he continued to struggle with the psychological effects of the accident.
“We were very lucky to survive the tragedy. It was not by our planning or thinking, but by the Almighty’s wish. Each time I think about the incident, I am affected, and I hope the Government will provide doctors to help us cope with the trauma,” he said.
Minister Moyo said Government would continue assisting affected families and had already started procurement processes for a replacement ferry.
“As Government, we stand with the communities of Mola, Chalala and Nyaminyami. We recognise the pain you carry and pledge continued support.
“We have brought mealie-meal, but this is not the end; we will walk together through the journey and assist with cash transfers to cushion affected households,” he said.
Minister Moyo said children from affected families would receive assistance under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), while those requiring medical attention would also receive support.
He said Government was also working on sustainable livelihood projects and Cash-for-Assets programmes to help affected families restore their incomes.
“Counsellors, chaplains and health workers will provide ongoing support to help families cope with grief and trauma.
“These measures are not only about relief, but they are about restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods and ensuring no family is left behind,” he said.
Provincial social development officer Mrs Agnes Mutowo said Government had allocated 200 tonnes of mealie-meal to Kariba District, with 60 tonnes specifically earmarked for victims of the ferry disaster.
“We have been given 200 tonnes of mealie-meal by the central Government for Kariba District, with 60 going to Kariba ferry accident victims. As Government, we are working with various players to ensure that we render the necessary support to the affected families,” she said.
Traditional leaders welcomed the continued assistance, while calling for urgent rehabilitation of roads linking Nyaminyami with the rest of the country.
Chief Msampakaruma said the poor state of the Kariba-Siakobvu road was creating another potential disaster as travellers increasingly resorted to using trucks.
“We are grateful to the Government that it has promised to rehabilitate the roads which link Nyaminyami and the rest of the country. This shows that even after the tragedy, the Government is committed to supporting us,” he said.
“There is another disaster awaiting to take place, especially on the road, as people have resorted to using lorries that are usually overloaded. Something needs to be done soonest.”
Chief Mola said the community was still mourning, but appreciated the continued support from Government and other stakeholders.
“My community is still mourning, but we are happy that the Government is coming back to us and providing assistance,” he said.
As part of the local response, Chief Mola also provided seven tonnes of maize and a tractor to assist the affected community.
