THE opposition People’s Unity Party (PUP) has called for transparency during investigations into the Lake Kariba boat tragedy, accusing the Zanu PF-led government of failing to ensure the safety of people using vessels at the dam.
On August 11, 2026, a tragic maritime accident occurred on Lake Kariba when the "Mbuya Nehanda" passenger ferry capsized, resulting in 46 confirmed deaths and leaving many more missing.
The vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was traveling from Kariba town to the Chalala fishing camp when it encountered severe weather and strong waves near Long Island.
PUP leader Herbert Chamuka said authorities had a responsibility to ensure that vessels and other vehicles used to transport people were properly maintained.
“But from our point of view, the Zanu PF party or the government has something to do with the deaths of the people involved in the accident,” he said.
“We say so because it is the one that is supposed to maintain its ships and all vehicles that people board.”
He also said that the emergency response following the incident was inadequate, resulting in more casualties.
“If there were police officers present, they would have called for possible urgent rescue responses, such as helicopters.
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“This also showed that these people didn’t receive assistance, or rather it was delayed, and they spent a long time in the water,” Chamuka said.
Chamuka also accused the government of prioritising politics over the welfare of citizens, citing the availability of party-branded vehicles alongside what he said was a shortage of ambulances and emergency helicopters.
“The government values politics more than the well-being of the people and the resources of its members, because they have plenty of cars branded with their party name, but there are no ambulances in hospitals, or even helicopters to use in situations like these,” he said.
Chamuka also called on the government to compensate the families of those who died as well as the survivors of the incident.
“We urge the government to take action immediately and compensate the families of the deceased as well as the survivors,” he said.
