By Tendai Chisiri
The Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Associations (ZURRA) has joined the nation in mourning the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that has claimed 95 lives, while calling on government to institute accountability measures and urgent reforms in maritime safety and public transport.
In a statement issued yesterday, ZURRA said it extends “deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones” of the victims, and to communities and traditional leaders in Kariba who are leading response efforts.
The residents’ body welcomed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of the tragedy as a national disaster under the Civil Protection Act. It also commended local leadership and community members for mobilizing resources to support the bereaved and to assist in the search for the missing and for goods.
However, ZURRA said the loss of life raises serious questions about safety standards and operational practices.
“We are gravely concerned about the safety standards and operational condition of the ferryboat involved in this incident,” said ZURRA Spokesperson Marvellous Kumalo. “The loss of life raises serious questions regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, the number of passengers in the ferry on the fateful trip, and the maintenance protocols followed by the relevant authorities.”
Kumalo said ZURRA expects the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) to account to the public.
“ZURRA anticipates accountability from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA). The Agency must provide answers to the public regarding the exact condition of the ferry, its inspection history, and the measures taken to ensure passenger safety,” he said.
ZURRA linked the disaster to wider gaps in Zimbabwe’s public transport service delivery. The organization argued that lack of reliable road transport alternatives forces communities to rely on higher-risk modes of travel.
“The disaster highlights the importance of expanding access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation options across the country,” Kumalo said. “Improved road transport services, including safe and regular bus connections along key routes, could help provide residents with alternative travel options and reduce reliance on higher-risk modes of transport.”
Four-point call to action
ZURRA urged government to take “urgent and decisive action” in four areas:
- Improve Access to Safe Transport Alternatives: Prioritise reliable and affordable public transport services along major routes such as Kariba to reduce pressure on alternative modes of transport.
- Strengthen Maritime Transport Safety: Increase investment in ferry safety, maintenance, and operational oversight to ensure vessels meet required safety standards and are regularly inspected.
- Increase Budget Allocation: Substantially increase budget allocation for maritime safety and infrastructure in the 2027 national budget to enable acquisition of “modest modern ferries that meet strict safety standards and are fit for purpose”.
- Commission of Inquiry: Establish an independent commission to investigate the causes of the disaster and produce comprehensive recommendations.
“As we grieve with the Kariba community and the nation, ZURRA remains committed to advocating for strong localised disaster risk reduction plans, a devolved system of governance, and the safety of passengers and welfare of all residents,” Kumalo said.
The Kariba ferry disaster is one of the deadliest inland water tragedies recorded in Zimbabwe in recent years. Search and recovery operations were ongoing at the time of going to print.
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