Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has certified a privately owned ferry to restore water transport services on Lake Kariba following the August 11 tragedy that claimed 97 lives, while two more boats are also being procured to service communities along the route.
The vessel, which was offered by a private operator following the Government’s call for private sector participation, is expected to begin operations within days after completing the required inspections.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed that the boat had been inspected and certified.
He said the ferry service was critical for communities in Kariba Rural and Kariba Urban, which were separated by the construction of the Kariba Dam.
“This was another mode of transport that was quite convenient for the people of Kariba Rural and Kariba Urban. When the dam was constructed, it separated Kariba Urban from Kariba Rural,” he said.
“So, this was the most convenient mode of transportation. If one is to use the road to connect the two areas, the shortest route is 313km, while the longest is 437km.”
Minister Mhona said the Government had invited private players to help bridge the transport gap created by the disaster.
“And this is what we have done as a ministry. We have finally inspected one of the ferry boats and we are satisfied.
“Apparently, it circulated on social media. Yes, it was the boat, but it had to undergo the relevant inspections. We are happy that it has now been certified and, within a few days, it will be back on the water to bridge the gap left by RIDA,” he said.
“Not only that, we are also procuring two more boats through RIDA.
“The procurement process is currently underway, so that we have not only one boat, but two or three more servicing the same route,” said Minister Mhona.
The restoration of ferry services is expected to ease transport challenges for communities and businesses along the shores of Lake Kariba, which rely on water transport to move people and goods and to access essential services.
The measures follow the capsizing of the RIDA ferry, commonly known as Mbuya Nehanda, while travelling from Kariba Town to Chalala Fishing Camp. The disaster claimed 97 lives, while 77 people were rescued, making it the country’s worst transport disaster.
President Mnangagwa subsequently declared the accident a State of Disaster, enabling the Government to mobilise resources for rescue, recovery and assistance to affected families.
Cabinet this week approved a comprehensive relief and recovery package covering humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, infrastructure development, livelihood restoration and disaster preparedness.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the measures included procuring a replacement ferry, improving roads and introducing affordable ferry services for communities dependent on water transport.
“Efforts under humanitarian relief and psychosocial support include deploying skilled personnel to provide mental health support, supplying emergency aid, protecting children and promoting education,” he said.
The Government will also strengthen early warning systems through the installation of weather stations and the deployment of drones and communication equipment to improve monitoring and emergency response on the lake.
“A comprehensive emergency response plan has been prioritised, alongside improvements to community amenities and access to water and sanitation,” said Minister Soda.
Communities around Lake Kariba will receive training in water safety, first aid and disaster preparedness, while resources from the National Civil Protection Fund will be disbursed timeously.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said counsellors had been deployed to affected communities, while disaster preparedness training was underway.
“We are now conducting training programmes on disaster survival so that people are equipped to save themselves in the event of an emergency,” he said.
Long-term interventions will also focus on restoring livelihoods through business units, vocational training and community-based economic initiatives.
The latest measures are expected to restore an essential transport link while strengthening safety, disaster preparedness and the resilience of communities that depend on Lake Kariba.
Source: Govt certifies new ferry for Kariba communities – herald
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