By Nigel Pfunde
KARIBA — The death toll from the Lake Kariba ferry disaster has reached 100, prompting Government to announce an immediate nationwide crackdown on inland water safety regulations.
The tragedy occurred on August 11 when the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency passenger ferry, Mbuya Nehanda, capsized near Long Island while traveling from Kariba toward Chalala. Seventy-seven people were rescued alive.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the sinking a National Disaster, unlocking state personnel, equipment and resources for the ongoing response.
Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police sub-aqua units remain deployed on the lake conducting search, recovery and identification operations.
Addressing boat operators, houseboat owners, fishing companies and maritime officials during an emergency stakeholder engagement on the shores of Lake Kariba on Sunday,
Government officials said the crackdown will target overloading, unlicensed vessels, lack of safety equipment and unqualified operators.
Authorities described the incident as the deadliest inland-water transport disaster in the nation’s history.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, together with the Zimbabwe Maritime and Ports Authority, has been tasked to enforce stricter compliance with maritime safety laws with immediate effect. Inspections of all passenger ferries, fishing boats and houseboats on Lake Kariba, Lake Mutirikwi and other inland water bodies are expected to begin this week.
Rescue teams are continuing operations to account for all passengers who were on board.
Government has urged members of the public to cooperate with authorities and to prioritize safety when using water transport.
