President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency vessel on Lake Kariba, enabling the Government to mobilise extraordinary resources to assist victims and their families.
The vessel capsized on August 11 while travelling from Kariba to Chalala. It was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members and an unconfirmed number of children.
Speaking in a condolence message following the tragedy, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said lives had been lost, although he did not announce a death toll as search and recovery operations for unaccounted passengers were continuing.
Minister Garwe said the Government, through the Department of Civil Protection, immediately activated the national disaster-response mechanism and deployed several agencies to the area.
President Mnangagwa’s declaration under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all available resources are directed towards the emergency.
“Government remains fully committed to the ongoing search and recovery efforts for unaccounted individuals,” Minister Garwe said.
He said the Government’s immediate priorities were locating those still missing, recovering and identifying the deceased, supporting survivors and affected families, and maintaining effective coordination of the response.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit is conducting specialised underwater search and recovery operations, while the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron has provided boats, personnel and other essential operational support.
Local authorities, Government ministries and agencies, traditional leaders, communities, private-sector organisations and volunteers are also supporting the operation. The Matusadonha Conservation Trust deployed a helicopter to assist with aerial searches.
In a further demonstration of support for the affected families, the Government will meet burial expenses for the deceased through arrangements with Doves and Nyaradzo funeral services. It will also pay medical bills for those injured in the disaster.
Minister Garwe commended the rescue teams working in difficult and dangerous conditions, saying their efforts demonstrated the importance of unity and coordinated action during national emergencies.
The Government has also ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. The inquiry will examine whether the vessel complied with capacity limits, maritime safety requirements and established operating procedures.
“Where shortcomings are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Minister Garwe said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and rely on verified information issued by the Government and authorised agencies. He also appealed to the media and the public to exercise sensitivity and avoid circulating unconfirmed casualty figures.
Minister Garwe conveyed the Government’s condolences to the bereaved families and assured affected communities that the Second Republic would continue mobilising the resources required for the search, recovery and relief operation.
