ZW Govt: Engages Private Operators To Deploy New Kariba Passenger Boat

• Zimbabwean Minister of Transport Felix Mhona announced ongoing discussions to deploy a new passenger boat on Lake Kariba.
• The government is appealing to both the Kariba community and the private sector to collaborate on finding a solution for a replacement vessel.
• Minister Mhona stated that the government will facilitate the process by easing registration and enhancing safety standards for new boats.
• The previous government-owned vessel, the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry, capsized after serving an 80km route linking Kariba Urban to remote fishing villages.
• In 2025, RIDA had reduced fares on routes from Peters Point to Chalala, Musamba, and Kings Camp.

The urgent need for a new vessel stems from its critical role in connecting residents of both urban and rural Kariba to their primary livelihood: fishing.

Zimbabwean government officials are actively seeking solutions to deploy a new passenger boat on Lake Kariba, following the loss of a previous vessel. Felix Mhona, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, confirmed to The Herald that discussions are currently underway to identify a viable path forward for a replacement boat to service the vital route. The minister underscored the importance of a collaborative approach, appealing to both the local Kariba community and the private sector to contribute to finding a resolution.

Minister Mhona highlighted the government's commitment to facilitating this process, stating that authorities would play their part by simplifying registration procedures and bolstering safety standards for any new vessel. He specifically noted the private sector's historical involvement in such operations, suggesting they are well-positioned to propose practical solutions. This appeal comes as local leaders emphasize the critical need for immediate action to restore essential transport links on the lake.

The urgent need for a new vessel stems from its critical role in connecting residents of both urban and rural Kariba to their primary livelihood: fishing. The route, spanning approximately 80 kilometers, serves as a crucial artery for communities situated along the Lake Kariba shoreline in Nyaminyami, including remote fishing camps and villages such as Chalala, Musamba, Kings Camp, and Long Island, all linked to Kariba Urban / Peters Point. These areas are characterized by numerous islands where residents engage in fishing activities or purchase their catches.

The vessel that previously serviced this essential network was the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry, a government-operated passenger boat that navigated the waters of Lake Kariba on the Zambezi. In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility, RIDA had reduced fares across several routes in 2025. Specifically, the fare from Peters Point to Chalala was lowered from US$15 to US$10, the Peters Point to Musamba route saw a reduction from US$12 to US$8, and the cost to travel from Peters Point to Kings Camp decreased from US$9 to US$6.

Minister Mhona's statements outline a clear division of labor: the government will focus on regulatory and safety enhancements, while the private sector is encouraged to lead in operational solutions. This framework aims to expedite the introduction of a new boat, ensuring it meets necessary standards while leveraging existing private expertise in the region. The emphasis on easing registration processes is intended to remove potential bureaucratic hurdles for operators willing to step in.

Marian Chombo, the Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, echoed the urgency for a replacement vessel, advocating for its immediate deployment, even if it is a smaller craft. Minister Chombo underscored that while providing this transport network is vital, it alone might not fully resolve the myriad challenges faced by the local communities. Her remarks highlight a broader understanding that while connectivity is key, other underlying issues may persist for the residents reliant on the lake's resources.

Source: Original reporting via The Herald