Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
The Zimbabwean Government is planning to buy new boats and ferries to improve transport on the country’s lakes and dams, with Lake Kariba receiving priority following the ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives.
The move comes after a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said Government was already looking for vessels to provide safer passenger and cargo transport.
The initiative, led by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, will focus on passenger safety, transport and the movement of goods.
The announcement follows the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on August 11, when the vessel capsized on Lake Kariba while travelling from Kariba towards the Chalala fishing camps.
The ferry was licensed to carry 90 passengers, but about 180 people and goods were reportedly on board when it overturned in rough waters.
The tragedy highlighted how heavily communities around Lake Kariba depend on boats and ferries, especially those living in remote areas that are difficult to reach by road.
Government now says it wants to do more than replace the Mbuya Nehanda. The plan is to build a safer and more reliable water transport system that can serve communities and businesses across Zimbabwe.
The programme is also expected to address the shortage of vessels, ageing boats and limited transport services on the country’s inland waterways.
The move comes after a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said Government was already looking for vessels to provide safer passenger and cargo transport.
He said the programme would be rolled out in two stages, starting with immediate relief before moving to longer-term solutions.
The initiative, led by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, will focus on passenger safety, transport and the movement of goods.
The announcement follows the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on August 11, when the vessel capsized on Lake Kariba while travelling from Kariba towards the Chalala fishing camps.
The ferry was licensed to carry 90 passengers, but about 180 people and goods were reportedly on board when it overturned in rough waters.
The tragedy highlighted how heavily communities around Lake Kariba depend on boats and ferries, especially those living in remote areas that are difficult to reach by road.
Government now says it wants to do more than replace the Mbuya Nehanda. The plan is to build a safer and more reliable water transport system that can serve communities and businesses across Zimbabwe.
The programme is also expected to address the shortage of vessels, ageing boats and limited transport services on the country’s inland waterways.