Govt ignored Kariba warnings

THE government was repeatedly warned about an impending disaster at Lake Kariba, including as late as last month, but did not act until 46 people perished in what has been described as Zimbabwe’s worst maritime disaster in living memory, Parliament records show.

Chronic underfunding and years of neglect regarding inland water transport and poor rural roads, which left communities around Lake Kariba dependent on ageing vessels, have repeatedly been flagged by lawmakers from the area.

The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) (formerly DDF) vessel, Mbuya Nehanda KF551, capsized near Long Island while travelling to Chalala Fishing Camp, triggering a massive search and recovery operation.

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