Passenger Association of Zimbabwe president, Tafadzwa Goliati
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called for an urgent overhaul of safety standards governing ferries and boats operating on Zimbabwe’s waterways following the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) ferry on Lake Kariba.
Tafadzwa Goliati, PAZ president said the tragedy, which has left over 40 people dead, should compel authorities to strengthen enforcement of passenger safety regulations and ensure that such a disaster is not repeated.
Reports are that 77 people have so far been rescued, as recovery operations are ongoing.
In a statement, Goliati said the ferry named Mbuya Nehanda, which connects Kariba town with rural communities in Mashonaland West, was reportedly carrying over 100 passengers despite having a stated capacity of 90 passengers.
Goliati said the reported numbers raised serious questions about how the vessel was allowed to operate beyond its certified capacity.
“PAZ is deeply saddened by the tragic capsizing of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba on Tuesday afternoon.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those still awaiting news of missing passengers. We also wish a speedy recovery to the 77 survivors who were rescued,” he said.
According to Goliati, the reported overloading of the vessel was one of the major issues that needed urgent attention.
“According to reports, the ferry which connects Kariba town to rural communities in Mashonaland West was carrying far more people than its stated capacity of 90.
“RIDA’s own incident report indicates 114 adult passengers, 5 crew members, and an undisclosed number of children were on board.”
He said the tragedy appears to have been preventable, had all safety protocols undertaken.
Goliati said authorities must now move beyond the immediate rescue and recovery operation and examine the systems that allowed the ferry to carry passengers above its certified capacity.
“PAZ is concerned that the ferry was operating beyond its certified capacity.”
He said passenger safety must take precedence over the number of people that a vessel can carry or the need to provide transport to remote communities.
“This incident highlights the urgent need for government, through RIDA and other relevant authorities, to prioritize safety over numbers.
“No passenger should board a vessel that is overloaded, uninsured, or without basic safety equipment. No family should lose a loved one due to negligence,” Goliati said.
He also said the association is demanding an immediate audit of all government and private ferries and boats operating on Lake Kariba and other waterways.
Goliati said the audit should establish whether vessels are operating within their certified capacities, whether they are seaworthy and whether adequate lifesaving equipment is available.
Goliati further called for strict enforcement of passenger limits and ticketing procedures, including for children.
“Strict enforcement of passenger limits and ticketing for all passengers, including children,” is among the measures being demanded by PAZ.
Goliati said passenger manifests and emergency procedures must also be scrutinised to ensure that authorities can quickly establish the number of people on board during emergencies.
“Were there enough life-saving jackets for all passengers, including children? Were proper passenger manifests and emergency procedures in place?” he quizzed.
The availability and use of life jackets and other emergency equipment should form part of the investigation, PAZ said.
“A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the cause of the accident, including the availability and use of life-saving equipment,” is needed, Goliati said.
Goliati added that further PAZ demands clarity over the insurance status of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry and wants affected families to receive compensation where applicable.
And PAZ has also called for counselling and other forms of support for families who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for information on missing relatives.
Goliati said the ferry provides a vital link for rural communities that depend on it to access essential services and economic opportunities.
“This route is a lifeline for rural communities. “The loss of life here affects the most vulnerable who depend on this ferry for access to markets, health services, and education.”
He said improving safety should therefore not mean abandoning the communities that rely on water transport, but rather ensuring that they receive a safe and reliable service.
