Lake Kariba Tragedy Raises Urgent Call for Enhanced Safety Measures

By Admore Mbonda

Kariba- A recent boating accident on Lake Kariba has reignited concerns about the safety of the lake’s navigation, as a local resident recounts a terrifying experience that underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols. Aleck Pembere, 24, from Nyamhunga 3, was among the passengers when their vessel capsized during a sudden storm.

“I saw a blurred vision, and the next thing I knew, the vessel had capsized,” Pembere recalled, his voice trembling as he described the chaos. Despite trying to communicate with his friend Isaac Parichi for five desperate minutes after the accident, Pembere lost sight of him as panic set in. He clung to a refrigerator for nearly 45 minutes before another boat, spotted in the distance, came to his rescue.

The boat, carrying two refrigerators and essential equipment, was returning to Kariba Urban from ARDA Gatche Gatche Fishing Camp when the storm struck. This incident is not isolated; Lake Kariba has witnessed numerous boating accidents over the years, raising alarms about safety practices on the water. In 2020, a fishing boat capsized, resulting in three fatalities, and in 2019, a tourist vessel sank, injuring several passengers. The community remains haunted by the recent disappearance of a man known as Furgason, who was drawn into the lake last December and has yet to be found.

The alarming frequency of these incidents has prompted local residents and fishermen to call for immediate action. “We need patrol boats to monitor the lake and ensure that boats are adhering to safety regulations,” urged one local fisherman. “This would help prevent accidents and save lives.”

Critics have pointed to the Water and Inland Department’s lack of resources and patrol boats as a significant factor contributing to the ongoing dangers. The absence of a robust monitoring system makes it difficult to respond to emergencies and enforce necessary safety regulations. As the community reflects on the failures of the Lake Navigation Department—last seen active over two decades ago—the question looms large: what is the role of this department in safeguarding lives on the lake?

Factors contributing to the high rate of accidents include unpredictable storms, overloading of vessels, and poor maintenance practices. Authorities have frequently warned boat operators about the increased risks during the rainy season, yet adherence to safety guidelines remains inconsistent.

As the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the fear of further tragedies, the call for enhanced safety measures grows louder. Local leaders and residents are advocating for urgent reforms to ensure that Lake Kariba can be a safe environment for all who navigate its waters.