Staff Writer
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, (PAZ )is deeply saddened by the tragic capsazing of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba on Tuesday afternoon.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those still awaiting news of missing passengers. We also wish a speedy recovery to the 77 survivors who were rescued,”said Tafadzwa Goliath, Director of PAZ.
According to reports, the ferry which connects Kariba town to rural communities in Mashonaland West was carrying far more people than its stated capacity of 90. RIDA’s own incident report indicates 114 adult passengers, 5 crew members, and an undisclosed number of children were on board. With 15 bodies recovered and 27 people still unaccounted for, this tragedy appears to have been preventable.
PAZ is concerned that:
1. Overloading.
The ferry was operating beyond its certified capacity.
2. Safety Standards: Were there enough life-saving jackets for all passengers, including children? Were proper passenger manifests and emergency procedures in place?
3. Insurance Cover: What insurance cover was in place for ferry passengers, crew, and the vessel? Will affected families be compensated?
4 Service to Rural Communities: This route is a lifeline for rural communities. The loss of life here affects the most vulnerable who depend on this ferry for access to markets, health services, and education.
This incident highlights the urgent need for government, through RIDA and other relevant authorities, to prioritize safety over numbers. No passenger should board a vessel that is overloaded, uninsured, or without basic safety equipment. No family should lose a loved one due to negligence.
PAZ therefore demands:
1. A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the cause of the accident, including the availability and use of life-saving equipment.
2. Full disclosure of the insurance status of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry and immediate activation of compensation for victims and their families.
3. An immediate audit of all government and private ferries and boats operating on Lake Kariba and other waterways for capacity, seaworthiness, safety equipment, and insurance cover.
4. Strict enforcement of passenger limits and ticketing for all passengers, including children.
5. Support for the affected families, including counseling and compensation.
We call on RIDA, the Ministry of Transport, and Maritime Authorities to act with urgency. The lives of passengers must come first.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Issued by:
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe
PAZ