Mnangagwa directs procurement of modern passenger vessel  for Kariba, rehab of road corridor

By Agencies

In the wake of a devastating maritime tragedy on Lake Kariba that claimed dozens of lives, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the immediate procurement of a modern passenger vessel to replace the decommissioned Mbuya Nehanda.

In tandem with maritime upgrades, the President has directed the urgent rehabilitation of the vital Kariba–Siakobvu–Chalala road corridor to overhaul regional transport safety and infrastructure.

The directive comes after the state-operated Mbuya Nehanda—a vessel run by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)—capsized near Long Island while en route from Kariba Urban to Chalala Fishing Camp. Struck by ferocious, sudden waves known locally as the “Binga Waves,” the aging ferry, carrying over 100 passengers and crew, overturned in rough water.

The disaster triggered a widespread search-and-rescue operation coordinated by the Civil Protection Unit, security forces, and local vessel operators. While dozens of survivors were safely brought ashore and provided medical care at nearby facilities, the loss of life prompted President Mnangagwa to declare a National Disaster to mobilize emergency state assistance and relief for bereaved families. New members who wish to receive reliable daily news updates from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should “follow” our channel on the link below:

Acknowledging structural gaps in rural transit infrastructure, President Mnangagwa stressed that emergency measures must permanently address the vulnerabilities exposed by the disaster.

“This tragedy has exposed serious deficiencies in our maritime capabilities which we have to address immediately so that our places of recreation and transit do not become death traps,” President Mnangagwa stated, emphasizing that securing safe transport for remote lakeside communities remains an urgent priority.

The procurement of a modern, safety-compliant vessel aims to restore a crucial water transport link relied upon by fishermen, traders, and local families traveling across Lake Kariba. Simultaneously, the direct mandate to rehabilitate the Kariba–Siakobvu–Chalala road provides a safer, reliable overland alternative. The key road network has long suffered from severe erosion and terrain damage, forcing many residents to risk hazardous lake journeys on aging boats.

By fast-tracking both the new vessel procurement and the road reconstruction, authorities aim to secure the transit corridor, prevent future maritime catastrophes, and ensure sustainable connectivity across Mashonaland West.