HARARE, Aug. 14 (NewsDay Live) — The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Kariba ferry disaster that has claimed at least 46 lives, saying the tragedy raises serious questions about public transport safety and regulatory oversight.
In a statement Friday, ZLHR extended its condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who died in the tragedy and called for accountability over the disaster.
At least 46 people had died and 77 survivors had been rescued by Aug. 12, while the search and recovery operation remained underway. The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, was travelling from Kariba toward Chalala when it capsized on Lake Kariba.
ZLHR said the loss of lives raised serious questions about safety standards, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness and the adequacy of oversight mechanisms governing public transport on Lake Kariba.
“Section 48 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to life,” the organisation said, adding that authorities had a duty to protect and promote that right.
ZLHR said the government’s declaration of the disaster as a national disaster acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s maritime safety capabilities.
It called for an impartial, independent and evidence-based investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the sinking and determine whether the vessel was adequately inspected and operated.
The investigation should also establish whether the operator, regulators, public officials or other responsible institutions failed in their duties and, where applicable, identify any criminal, civil or regulatory liabilities, ZLHR said.
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The organisation urged authorities to make the findings of the probe public and ensure that any identified liabilities were addressed in accordance with the law.
“The tragedy must not be reduced to a statistic or allowed to fade from public attention without meaningful action,” ZLHR said.
It also called for strengthened maritime safety, emergency preparedness and enforcement measures to prevent a similar disaster from occurring again.
The organisation said families of the victims should receive assistance and support, including appropriate compensation and recovery of victims’ remains where necessary.
The call comes as authorities continue the search and recovery operation on Lake Kariba following one of the country’s deadliest recent water transport disasters.
