A new ferry is set to restore water transport between Kariba and Chalala following a deadly August disaster.
The MV Silverstone has received clearance to operate on the route after the Government commissioned the vessel.
Its arrival comes more than a month after the RIDA passenger ferry disaster claimed 97 lives.
The tragedy disrupted the movement of residents, goods and essential supplies between communities.
The new double-deck vessel can carry 60 passengers alongside four crew members.
It also weighs 18 tonnes and has five loading bays for passengers and cargo.
New ferry targets passengers and fishing industry
The MV Silverstone also carries two tender boats for emergency situations.
Additionally, the vessel has dedicated cooling facilities for the fishing industry.
Most High Ferries chief executive officer Hillard Mangove explained how the vessel would support local businesses.
“The boat has a total of five loading bays, three in the front and two at the back. We also have cooling space because our clientele is strong in the fish industry, so we will be taking ice and coming back with fish,” he said.
The ferry will operate twice weekly, with services scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays.
Passengers will pay US$15 per trip, according to the operator.
Meanwhile, residents have welcomed the return of water transport after weeks of disruption.
One resident described the new service as an important development for communities along the route.
“The boat is very important and we are very happy that there is now an operator to assist us,” said one resident.
Another resident highlighted the wider economic importance of the service.
“The DDF boat was more than just transport; it was our livelihood and we are very happy that a new boat is here,” the resident said.
Government plans more operators and boats
Residents also said the transport disruption created difficulties in obtaining basic supplies.
“We were now struggling with supplies, but now that there is a new boat, hopefully things will go back to normal,” the resident said.
However, Government wants to strengthen the route beyond the introduction of one vessel.
Officials are considering additional operators and more boats to improve the reliability of water transport.
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Director of Legal Services Advocate Kingston Magaya said lessons were learned from the disaster.
“Government is seized with making plans to ensure that we increase operators for this route. We have learnt from the August 11 disaster, and so we are even open to collaborating with private players. We welcome that kind of collaboration, and Government is also in the process of looking at acquiring more boats to help the people,” he said.
The MV Silverstone is expected to make its maiden voyage next Tuesday.
Its launch should reconnect communities while supporting the movement of people, supplies and fish.
The post New ferry to revive Kariba-Chalala water transport after 97 lives lost appeared first on iHarare News.
