Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Felix Mhona, says the inquiry into the Kariba ferry disaster, which claimed more than 90 lives, will investigate the vessel’s safety, certification, procurement, ownership and operations, with findings expected to be submitted to Government within three months.
Minister Mhona said the inquiry would examine the key aspects surrounding the ferry’s acquisition, regulatory compliance and day-to-day operations to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“The inquiry will examine the ferry’s safety, certification, procurement, ownership and operations,” said Mhona.
The investigation is expected to establish whether the vessel met the required safety standards, possessed the necessary certification and was operated in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Investigators will also scrutinise the procurement process and ownership arrangements to determine the responsibilities of the parties involved in acquiring, managing and operating the ferry,” Mhona noted.
The disaster, which claimed more than 90 lives, has raised questions about vessel safety and the oversight of water transport operations, making the inquiry important in establishing accountability and identifying possible regulatory shortcomings.
“The inquiry’s findings would be submitted to Government within three months, although the deadline could be extended by a further month if circumstances required additional time,” Minister Mhona said.
The findings are expected to provide Government with an evidence-based assessment of the disaster and guide decisions on any corrective measures necessary to strengthen safety standards in the water transport sector.
Moreover, the investigation will provide an opportunity to identify gaps in certification, procurement and operational oversight that may require attention to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
