Staff Reporter
KARIBA – Plans by Silverstone Ferry to introduce a passenger service linking Kariba town with remote rural communities across Lake Kariba have been put on hold, pending a traditional cleansing ceremony following last month’s fatal boat disaster.
The proposed service, operated by Most High Ferries, was expected to improve transportation for fishing communities and island villages that rely on water transport.
According to Kasambabezi FM 99.3 radio, the launch has been suspended until traditional leaders conduct rituals to cleanse the lake following the August 11 tragedy that claimed many lives.
Most High Ferries director Hillary Mangove said the company had been instructed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to suspend operations.
“We received a call from the Transport Ministry. The Minister, Felix Tapiwa Mhona, instructed us to stop operations until the cleansing ceremony is held. This may take about two weeks. We were ready,” said Mangove.
He added that the company had also received communication from Chief Mola, who welcomed the initiative but advised them to wait until the traditional ceremony was completed.
Assistant District Development Coordinator Takura Mahanzu said the timing of the ceremony would depend on the traditional leader’s mourning period and related cultural obligations.
“We will be guided by Chief Mola, who is leading the ceremony. He is still mourning, and in their culture there are rites he must undergo before the cleansing ceremony,” said Mahanzu.
“After that, a ceremony to cleanse the lake will be held. I cannot say when, as this will depend on how long the mourning lasts. Otherwise, movement of the ferry will remain on hold until then.”
The decision comes in the wake of the capsizing of the government-owned passenger ferry, Mbuya Nehanda, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), on August 11.
The vessel was travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp when it encountered strong waves near Long Island.
The disaster, described as the deadliest maritime tragedy on Lake Kariba, triggered calls for improved water transport safety and traditional interventions from surrounding communities.
Initial reports placed the death toll at 13, but the number rose sharply as search and recovery operations continued, with authorities later reporting at least 97 deaths, 77 survivors, and one person still missing.
The proposed Silverstone Ferry service is intended to strengthen connectivity between Kariba town and underserved communities across the lake once operations are cleared to resume.
