MP Says Learners and Teachers Are Stranded in Rural Kariba Ahead of School Reopening

With schools due to reopen on September 8, dozens of pupils and teachers remain stranded in Nyaminyami, rural Kariba. The sinking of the government-owned Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba last month cut off the cheapest route between Kariba urban and rural communities including Mola and Chalala.

Most of the affected learners and teachers had crossed to Mola for the holidays. Without a connecting ferry, returning by road means taking the Karoi-Siakobvu-Mola route, a detour costing more than $30. Many families cannot afford it.

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This is what happens when rural areas are forgotten. We live next to the biggest lake in the world by volume, yet we cannot even get our children to school safely.

“This is what happens when rural areas are forgotten,” one parent said. “We live next to the biggest lake in the world by volume, yet we cannot even get our children to school safely.” The Local Government ministry said most of the 97 people who died in the ferry accident were children.

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On the instruction of His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, government is in the market for boats and ferries to service our inland waterways, principally Kariba which recently saw a maritime tragedy.

Mutsa Murombedzi, a Citizen Coalition for Change proportional-representation MP for Mashonaland West Province, called on the government to provide an urgent shuttle bus for learners and teachers. She also urged officials to repair the Karoi-Binga road so more transport operators can use the route safely.

Reports said the government recently rejected a private operator’s proposal to provide the service because the vessels did not meet safety requirements. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba later said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had ordered the government to source boats and ferries, particularly for Kariba. Charamba said a two-stage probe led by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya would address immediate relief and a long-term solution, focusing on safety, cargo and passenger services. Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara also said he had met billionaire ship and yacht manufacturer Vikas Goel in Dubai, describing international partnerships as important to opening new economic opportunities. The timing of the promised service for the stranded school community remains unclear.

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Unlocking strategic international partnerships like this is key to opening new economic horizons for our nation. Watch this space!