The blame for Kariba boat accident is on Gov, says Sikhala

The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), led by opposition politician Job Sikhala, has blamed the government for the Kariba ferry disaster that is feared to have claimed at least 60 lives.

The ferry, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), formerly the District Development Fund (DDF), was carrying more than 100 people when it capsized in Lake Kariba while travelling from Kariba to Chalala Fishing Camp.

The vessel overturned near Long Island, triggering a major search and rescue operation as authorities worked to establish the full number of casualties.

In a statement, the NDWG questioned the safety standards under which the ferry had been allowed to operate, arguing that the disaster exposed weaknesses in the management of public infrastructure.

The organisation specifically questioned the reported absence of life jackets, which it described as a mandatory safety requirement for passengers travelling by boat.

It also raised concerns about the age and condition of the vessel, saying the ferry was about 41 years old and should have been subjected to rigorous inspections to determine whether it remained fit for service.

The NDWG called for an investigation into the ferry's seaworthiness and the circumstances under which it was allowed to continue operating.

The organisation also questioned whether the crew exercised appropriate judgement by taking the ferry onto the lake when weather and wave conditions were reportedly abnormal.

"The ferry, owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, capsized with over 100 people on board. The ramshackle boat is as old as 41 years and was kept cruising in the Kariba waters without due care to the safety of passengers," the statement said.

The NDWG said RIDA should be held accountable if investigations establish that mandatory safety standards were ignored or that negligence contributed to the disaster.

"RIDA should be held responsible for the loss of life if investigations establish that safety standards were ignored," the organisation said.

It also called on the government to compensate families who lost relatives in the tragedy, arguing that authorities should take responsibility if negligence is established.

The disaster has raised renewed questions over safety oversight on Lake Kariba and the condition of vessels used to transport passengers on the country's major inland waterway.

The NDWG said a full and transparent investigation was necessary to establish what caused the ferry to capsize, determine whether safety regulations were followed and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.