Tafadzwa Goliati, PAZ National Coordinator
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry into the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, as the death toll from the tragedy has risen to 84.
The ferry capsized on Lake Kariba last Tuesday, as authorities continue with the search and recovery operations.
It is reported that at least 77 people were rescued.
PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said the tragedy raises serious questions about regulatory oversight, vessel safety and compliance with established procedures.
“It is unacceptable when government institutions and parastatals disregard established procedures due to corruption and negligence,” Goliati said.
“Those responsible must be held accountable. “How was this vessel permitted to operate on a public holiday without proper oversight?”
Goliati added that PAZ is demanding that authorities immediately make public the vessel’s Certificate of Fitness and Passenger Liability Insurance cover, arguing that passengers have a right to know whether the ferry was legally certified and adequately insured to operate.
“We further demand the immediate production of its Certificate of Fitness and Passenger Liability Insurance cover for public scrutiny,” Goliati said.
The call comes amid reports that the ferry may have been carrying substantially more passengers than its authorised capacity.
And according to reports, the vessel was authorised to carry 90 passengers, while it is claimed that the number on board was as high as 153.
Goliati said the circumstances surrounding the disaster must be subjected to a comprehensive investigation, rather than allowing speculation and unanswered questions to undermine public confidence.
“As concerned passengers, we have numerous outstanding questions that demand urgent answers.
“The circumstances leading to this tragedy on Lake Kariba must be fully investigated, including issues of regulatory compliance, vessel maintenance and passenger safety.”
Goliati added that as PAZ, they are appealing to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to urgently establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to establish what happened and determine who should be held accountable.
“We therefore appeal to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to urgently establish an independent Commission of Inquiry.
“Speculation and silence will only erode public trust. Zimbabweans deserve transparency, accountability, and concrete measures to prevent future loss of life.”
The association said the tragedy should also trigger a broader review of safety standards governing passenger transport on Zimbabwe’s waterways.
Goliati said passenger safety should never be compromised, regardless of the circumstances or operational pressures facing transport providers.
“Safe transport, proper documentation, accountability, and dignity are not privileges. They are basic human rights,” he said.
“When a vessel sails without a Certificate of Fitness, without Passenger Liability Insurance, or beyond its certified carrying capacity, it is not just negligence, it is a violation of the right to life and safety.”
It is said the death toll makes this tragedy one of the country’s worst transport disasters in recent years, as recovery operations are still underway.
PAZ said the priority now must be to establish the full circumstances of the disaster, ensure accountability and put in place measures that guarantee that such a tragedy is never repeated.
