Govt certifies private ferry to restore Kariba water transport

The government has certified a privately owned ferry to restart water transport on Lake Kariba, more than a month after the RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on 11 August, killing at least 97 people.

The vessel, offered by a private operator following the government’s call for private sector participation, is expected to begin operations within days, once the required inspections are complete.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed that the boat had been inspected and certified, and said the service was critical for communities in Kariba Rural and Kariba Urban, which were split apart 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.”

Mhona said the government had invited private operators to help close the transport gap left 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,” he said.

“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 added that the government was also procuring two further 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,” he said.

Mbuya Nehanda overturned while travelling from Kariba Town to Chalala Fishing Camp. The disaster claimed at least 97 lives, while 77 people were rescued, making it the country’s worst maritime disaster. –

_The Herald_