Zimbabwe residents sue government over Lake Kariba ferry crisis

Two residents from Kariba and Binga have filed an urgent application in the High Court at Chinhoyi, seeking to compel the Zimbabwean government to restore safe and reliable ferry services on Lake Kariba. The legal action, brought by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights on behalf of Tonderai Ndevani and Chilumbo Mudenda, follows the August 2026 capsizing of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which resulted in 97 deaths.

The applicants argue that current transport arrangements are inadequate. While a privately operated vessel, the MV Silverstone, was introduced in mid-September, residents claim it cannot meet the transport demands of the communities. They further contend that relying on road alternatives is costly and time-consuming.

The lawsuit names the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) as respondents. The applicants are seeking court orders to ensure ferry services meet statutory safety standards and are requesting that authorities submit monthly progress reports to the court regarding the procurement of replacement vessels. The legal challenge invokes constitutional protections regarding human dignity and freedom of movement.