Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
A new fully certified ferry has been introduced on the Kariba-Chalala route, weeks after a deadly ferry disaster on Lake Kariba claimed at least 97 lives.
The new vessel, Silverstone, is operated by High Ferries Pvt Ltd and is expected to strengthen passenger safety and connectivity between Kariba and Chalala.
Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development Eng. J.P. Makumbe is expected to officially commission the ferry.
Silverstone can carry up to 60 passengers and is equipped with two dedicated tender boats to support emergency response operations.
The introduction of the ferry follows the 11 August 2026 tragedy involving the Mbuya Nehanda, a government-operated ferry travelling from Kariba to Chalala. The vessel capsized on Lake Kariba after encountering rough conditions, with authorities later confirming that it had been carrying more people and goods than its authorised capacity.
The disaster triggered a major search and recovery operation. Police later reported that at least 97 people had died, making it one of Zimbabwe's deadliest transport disasters.
The Kariba-Chalala ferry service is an important transport link for communities around the lake, particularly because road access to some areas is limited.
The commissioning of Silverstone is therefore expected to restore passenger transport on the route while placing renewed attention on safety standards and emergency preparedness in Zimbabwe's inland water transport sector.
The new vessel, Silverstone, is operated by High Ferries Pvt Ltd and is expected to strengthen passenger safety and connectivity between Kariba and Chalala.
Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development Eng. J.P. Makumbe is expected to officially commission the ferry.
Silverstone can carry up to 60 passengers and is equipped with two dedicated tender boats to support emergency response operations.
The introduction of the ferry follows the 11 August 2026 tragedy involving the Mbuya Nehanda, a government-operated ferry travelling from Kariba to Chalala. The vessel capsized on Lake Kariba after encountering rough conditions, with authorities later confirming that it had been carrying more people and goods than its authorised capacity.
The disaster triggered a major search and recovery operation. Police later reported that at least 97 people had died, making it one of Zimbabwe's deadliest transport disasters.
The Kariba-Chalala ferry service is an important transport link for communities around the lake, particularly because road access to some areas is limited.
The commissioning of Silverstone is therefore expected to restore passenger transport on the route while placing renewed attention on safety standards and emergency preparedness in Zimbabwe's inland water transport sector.
