KARIBA, Aug. 15 (NewsDay Live) — Grief is turning to anger in Kariba as families waiting for news of missing relatives accused authorities of failing to keep them informed during the ongoing search for victims of the Mbuyanehanda boat disaster.
As of yesterday evening, the number of recovered bodies stood at 46, with several people still unaccounted for.
At Kariba District Hospital, where families have gathered daily, mourners said they were being forced to rely on unofficial updates and social media for information about the search.
One man, who is still waiting for the bodies of two relatives, said the lack of communication had compounded their pain.
“We are here every day. No one is coming to tell us what is happening with the search. We hear things from WhatsApp groups before we hear from the people who are supposed to be in charge,” he said.
“We feel neglected. There should be someone giving us updates every day on where the search teams are and what they have found.”
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He also criticised the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), which owns the Mbuyanehanda KF551, accusing the agency of failing to assist families travelling to the hospital to check mortuary records.
“They are not even helping with transport or anything for people who come here every day hoping to find their loved ones,” he said.
Tensions boiled over yesterday when a group of mourners demonstrated outside the hospital, threatening to take their protest to the District Development Coordinator’s offices if the situation did not improve.
“The dead deserve dignity and the living deserve answers,” one protester said. “We cannot keep waiting in silence.”
However, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland West, Marion Chombo, said government remained committed to the affected families.
“I am with the people of Kariba. As government, we will not rest until everyone who is still missing is accounted for,” Chombo said.
She appealed for peace, unity and prayers as search teams continued their operations.
Chombo also commended police, army personnel, volunteers, community members and other stakeholders involved in the search and recovery operation.
She thanked individuals and organisations that have provided clothing, food and psychosocial support to survivors and affected families.
Authorities said search and recovery operations were continuing on Lake Kariba, with teams covering areas around the Musambakaruma Islands.
RIDA was not immediately available for comment on the allegations.
For now, families continue to keep vigil at the hospital mortuary, waiting for news of their loved ones.
“We just want to bury our people and have closure,” the mourner said. “That is all we are asking for.”