Govt Says RIDA Mbuya Nehanda Boat Had Valid Fitness Certificate

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe says the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized on Lake Kariba, killing more than 90 people on 11 August, held a valid fitness certificate.

Garwe was responding to criticism that the vessel was too old and no longer fit for purpose, which could have contributed to the accident.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, he said the boat was not dilapidated but was overloaded and may have been left vulnerable to known hazardous conditions on the lake.

“The boat had a fitness certificate or certification through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development,” said Garwe.

“The problems that occurred were as a result of negligence. Cabinet has approved that we go ahead and put in place an inquest to start investigations into exactly what took place.”

The official report on the accident was presented to Cabinet. Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who chaired the post-Cabinet session, said 94 deaths have been confirmed so far.

Mutsvangwa said the ferry was carrying approximately 180 passengers and goods, which is double its carrying capacity of 90.

“The nation is advised that preliminary investigations indicate that the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)’s Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026, was ferrying about 180 passengers and goods, thus exceeding its carrying capacity,” said Mutsvangwa.

“The vessel reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves. Government notes that the Meteorological Services Department had issued an early warning advising all lake users against sailing.”

So far, 77 passengers have been rescued, 94 bodies have been retrieved, and seven people confirmed by relatives to have been on board are still missing.

Mutsvangwa said the Government has commenced formal investigations, including examining the vessel’s structural remains and probing operational and compliance issues.

She said the Department of Civil Protection continues to coordinate search, rescue and recovery operations in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and relevant stakeholders.

“The operations continue to intensify, with a privately owned helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust deployed to support rescue efforts. All Lake Kariba users are urged to remain vigilant and urgently report any floating objects,” said Mutsvangwa.

More: The Herald