More Bad News For Kariba As Government Reveals 9-Month Wait For Mbuya Nehanda Replacement Ferry
More bad news has emerged for Kariba communities after officials revealed that a permanent replacement for the Mbuya Nehanda ferry could take at least nine months to arrive. The ferry capsized on Lake Kariba last month, killing 97 people and disrupting transport for communities that depend on the lake for fishing, trade and access to essential services.
Mbuya Nehanda replacement ferry faces 9-month wait
According to The Herald, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications George Charamba said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had secured investment commitments for maritime transport during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Senior officials were sent to Dubai to inspect potential vessels. Charamba said safety, cargo capacity, passenger numbers and refrigeration were among the key considerations.
However, delivery could take longer than expected.
“The lead time for the delivery of the vessel was a bit longer, actually a minimum of nine months.”
The delay has prompted the government to pursue an interim solution.
Temporary vessels planned for Kariba
Charamba said the prospective provider agreed to arrange temporary vessels that would be manufactured in Zimbabwe.
“We then negotiated with the prospective provider of that service that he, in the interim, puts together some temporary vessels which will be manufactured here in Zimbabwe.”
The temporary vessels are expected to carry up to 40 passengers and cargo.
In the longer term, the government is considering acquiring two larger ferries capable of carrying more than 600 passengers. Charamba said the Kariba project could also form part of wider investment in Zimbabwe’s water transport infrastructure.
The immediate focus, however, remains restoring a reliable service for communities affected by the ferry disaster.
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