Zimbabwe: Kariba Residents Drag Govt to Court Over Ferry Crisis After 97 Die in Mbuya Nehanda Disaster

What the report says

Two Kariba residents have taken the Zimbabwean government to the High Court in Chinhoyi, asking judges to order the state to restore adequate, safe and reliable ferry services on Lake Kariba. The case was filed after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster, which killed 97 people in August 2026 and left communities around the lake with far fewer transport options.

According to the court papers reported by New Zimbabwe and carried by AllAfrica, the applicants are fisherman Tonderai Ndevani and Chilumbo Mudenda. They argue that the government has not replaced the capsized RIDA-operated ferry with a vessel large enough to meet local demand, leaving people dependent either on a small private ferry or on a long and costly road route. The applicants want the transport ministry, RIDA and the local government ministry to ensure ferry services that meet safety requirements under the Inland Waters Shipping Act.

The petition says the lack of reliable crossings affects daily life, family visits, trade and access to rural communities on both sides of the lake. It also argues that the situation could encourage dangerous overcrowding if demand continues to exceed capacity. The applicants cite constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of movement, saying the state has a positive duty to help residents travel safely and affordably.

The filing comes as Zimbabwe continues to deal with the aftermath of one of its worst ferry accidents. The Mbuya Nehanda capsized near Long Island while travelling from Kariba to Chalala, and the incident prompted rescue efforts, a state of disaster and criminal proceedings. The new case adds pressure on authorities to show how they plan to restore transport links for isolated lake communities.