Mnangagwa Orders Replacement Ferry and Road Repairs After Lake Kariba Disaster

Following the tragic sinking of a passenger ferry on Lake Kariba that claimed dozens of lives, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to replace the ill-fated vessel. The Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA)-owned ferry was a vital transport link for communities around the lake.

During a memorial service for the victims, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe announced the President's directive to procure a new passenger ferry. Garwe emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that businesses and livelihoods continue uninterrupted, echoing the President's principle of leaving no one behind.

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The ferry which capsized served as a vital mode of transport for businessmen and individuals, travelling from Kariba to areas such as Chalala and all those who were benefitting from its service. The President has said don't be heartbroken or get worried over how you will travel now that the reliable boat has sunk. As a caring leader, and in the spirit of leaving noone and no place behind in terms of assistance and development, he has pledged to find a replacement vessel so that businesses and livelihoods continue.

In addition to the ferry replacement, President Mnangagwa also ordered the urgent rehabilitation of the impassable road linking Kariba, Siakobvu, and Chalala. Minister Garwe stated that the Transport Minister would be dispatched to address the road's poor condition, which further isolates these communities. The pledges come amid criticism over the delayed action on these critical infrastructure issues, which have been a long-standing concern for residents and have been exacerbated by recent accidents on the lake.

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He also said he will send Transport minister (Felix Mhona) to urgently fix the impassible road. We received the complaints over the same road earlier. So, these will be attended to so that movement is improved.