New passenger ferry launched to restore Kariba-Chalala service, fares increased
KARIBA’S rural communities have received a lifeline after the launch of the privately owned MV Silverstone Ferry at Lake Harvest Harbour on Monday, restoring passenger services following last month’s deadly Lake Kariba boat disaster. The MV Silverstone, owned by Hillary Mangove, has a carrying capacity of 60 passengers and will service the Kariba-Chalala corridor, including […] The post New passenger ferry launched to restore Kariba-Chalala service, fares increased appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
KARIBA’S rural communities have received a lifeline after the launch of the privately owned MV Silverstone Ferry at Lake Harvest Harbour on Monday, restoring passenger services following last month’s deadly Lake Kariba boat disaster.
The MV Silverstone, owned by Hillary Mangove, has a carrying capacity of 60 passengers and will service the Kariba-Chalala corridor, including Musamba Fishing Camp and Kings Camp.
The route was left without its regular passenger service after the RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on August 11, killing 97 people.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry was a critical transport link for communities around Lake Kariba, carrying villagers, traders and workers between Kariba town and remote communities around Chalala.
Mangove said the MV Silverstone was not intended to replace the ill-fated RIDA vessel but to help restore transport services to communities that had been left isolated.
“We are not coming as a replacement to RIDA Mbuya Nehanda but to cover the gap that they left after the sad 11 August incident.”
Mangove said he had paid half of the annual US$2,500 ZimParks lake usage fee, amounting to US$1,250, and was awaiting finalisation of his operating permit.
ZimParks spokesperson Luckmore Safuli said regulations require operators to make full payment but acknowledged the urgency of restoring transport services following the disaster.
“Considering the situation, he should start operating whilst his permit is being processed,” Safuli said.
Representing Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Joy Makumbe, Legal Services Director Kingston Magaya said the disaster had highlighted the risks of relying on a single operator to service a critical transport corridor.
“Lake Kariba is too important to depend on one operator. Had there been alternative operators on the Kariba-Chalala corridor, the economic shock after 11 August would have been minimal,” Magaya said.
“Liberalisation of transport corridors is very critical. Government cannot do it alone.”
The ministry confirmed that the MV Silverstone had met the required safety standards under the Inland Waters Shipping Act.
However, passengers will now pay higher fares on the routes.
The Kariba-Chalala fare has increased from US$10 to US$15, while the fare to Musamba has risen from US$8 to US$12. The Kings Camp fare has increased from US$6 to US$8.
The post New passenger ferry launched to restore Kariba-Chalala service, fares increased appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
