Staff Reporter
KARIBA — The government has officially commissioned the MV Silverstone ferry on Lake Kariba, paving the way for the restoration of safe and reliable water transport services along the Kariba-Chalala route.
The launch was officiated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Pedzisayi Joe Makumbe, whose speech was delivered on her behalf by the ministry’s Head of Legal Services, Advocate Kingston Magaya.
The privately owned vessel, operated by Most High Ferries (Pvt) Ltd, was introduced following the government’s call for increased private sector participation in restoring inland water transport services on Lake Kariba.
The commissioning comes in the wake of the August 11 boat disaster, in which 97 people lost their lives, putting renewed focus on safety standards and the need for reliable water transport services on the lake.
The MV Silverstone will provide public transport services to commuters travelling between Kariba’s urban and rural communities, while improving connectivity to areas along the route.
The double-deck ferry, built on three pontoons, has a carrying capacity of 60 passengers and four crew members. It measures 21.845 meters in length and 5.9 meters in width, with a displacement of 18 tonnes.
The vessel is also equipped with two tender boats to support emergency response operations.
Eng Makumbe said the government welcomed private sector investment in inland water transport, describing safe, reliable, and efficient water transport as essential to communities, trade, commerce, and connectivity.
She said the ferry had met statutory requirements under the Inland Waters Shipping Act, including vessel survey and registration, crew certification, and the issuance of shipping service permits.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that safety should remain the top priority for all operators using inland waterways.
She urged the operator and other players in the sector to comply strictly with safety regulations, maintain seaworthy vessels, and ensure that adequate safety equipment is available at all times.
“Passenger safety should never be compromised,” the ministry said.
The government is also procuring two additional boats to increase water transport capacity and improve services to communities along the Lake Kariba route.
The commissioning of the MV Silverstone is part of broader government efforts to restore essential water transport services and ease the transport challenges faced by communities in the Kariba and Binga districts.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen connectivity between communities separated by the vast Lake Kariba, while providing an alternative mode of transport for people and facilitating movement along the route.
