Government has launched formal investigations into the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba, as search and recovery operations continue following a tragedy that has claimed more than 90 lives.
The ferry capsized, on August 11, while reportedly carrying about 180 passengers and goods, a figure that exceeded its carrying capacity, according to preliminary investigations presented to Cabinet.
Speaking during a post cabinet media briefing, yesterday, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said the vessel was also struck by strong waves despite an early warning issued by the Meteorological Services Department.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the Mbuya Nehanda ferry was ferrying about 180 passengers and goods, thus exceeding its carrying capacity. The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves,” she said.
Government has now moved to establish the circumstances surrounding the disaster, including examining the structural remains of the vessel and investigating operational and regulatory compliance issues.
“Government has commenced formal investigations which include examining the structural remains of the vessel and probing operational and compliance issues,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the incident a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act and directed relevant authorities to provide affected families with funeral services, medical assistance and psychosocial support.
Government is providing State-assisted burials through Doves and Nyaradzo Funeral Services, while the Department of Civil Protection continues coordinating search, rescue and recovery operations.
The operations involve the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other stakeholders.
Search efforts have also been intensified through the deployment of a privately owned helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust to assist in locating and recovering victims and debris.
Government has urged members of the public and all Lake Kariba users to remain vigilant and immediately report any floating bodies or debris that could assist the recovery teams.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also received an update on the ongoing reintegration and repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa.
As at August 16, Government had recorded 42 339 assisted repatriations through Beitbridge Border Post, while 112 863 people had returned through self-repatriation, bringing the total recorded returns at the border to 155 202.
A further 1 035 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana border entry points, including Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele.
Zimbabwe has also assisted 86 300 Malawian nationals to return to their country.
Senator Mutsvangwa said the Zimbabwean returnees comprised 10 437 adult males, 13 558 adult females, 8 937 male minors and 9 399 female minors.
The returnees included four unaccompanied male minors and four unaccompanied female minors.
Government has also received 701 deportees at the Beitbridge Reception Centre from Lindela Prison in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
“Cumulatively, 622 bus trips ferrying returnees have been undertaken to date,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
The two developments formed part of Cabinet’s latest review of national disaster response and the Government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of Zimbabwean nationals.
