Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – The Government is set to procure additional boats for Lake Kariba and open the route to private operators as part of measures to ease overcrowding and improve water transport safety following the recent ferry tragedy.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told the Senate that the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) is working on bringing more vessels into operation, while private operators will also be encouraged to provide services.
The move is expected to increase transport options for communities around the lake and reduce the number of passengers relying on a single vessel.
Minister Mhona said the ferry involved in the tragedy was a government vessel operating under RIDA and had been servicing the route twice a week.
He said passenger numbers had increased during the school holidays, with people travelling between communities, including Chalala and Mola, to visit relatives and access services.
“When that accident took place, there were many people because some have their homes in Chalala or Mola. Another issue was that it was during school holidays; some were trying to visit their relatives, while others were staying on the urban side,” he said.
Minister Mhona said additional vessels would help address overcrowding by ensuring passengers have alternatives.
“I think when there are several boats, people will not have to wait for just one boat,” he said.
The Government is also expecting private sector participation to complement RIDA services, with Minister Mhona saying increased competition could benefit passengers through more competitive fares.
“I think there will be boats coming from RIDA as well as the private sector, and the fares will become competitive for the benefit of the travelling public,” he said.
At the same time, the Government is strengthening water safety awareness campaigns, with passengers and operators being urged to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions.
“When people travel by water, we also campaign and inform them about how they should travel,” Minister Mhona said.
He said authorities would particularly warn travellers against venturing onto the lake when waves become dangerous.
“We are going to conduct those campaigns near the water and urge people to take caution when there are waves, and advise them not to travel,” he said.
Minister Mhona said vessel inspections would continue before boats are cleared to operate, while those found responsible for safety violations would face the law.
The planned expansion of the lake transport fleet comes as the Government seeks to address concerns surrounding passenger congestion, vessel safety, and the reliability of transport services for communities around Lake Kariba.
The measures are also expected to strengthen safety oversight while improving access to water transport for residents who depend on the lake for travel between communities.
