ZRP confirms grim milestone as overcrowded vessel disaster deepens, raising questions about road conditions that force reliance on lake transport

Tariba- The death toll from Tuesday’s devastating boat capsizing on Lake Kariba has risen to 44, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed Wednesday, as search and recovery operations continue for the remaining missing passengers.

“The ZRP informs the public that the death toll in the Kariba RIDA boat accident is now 44,” police said in a brief statement.

The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel, carrying at least 119 people, far exceeding its official capacity of 90, capsized after being struck by strong waves near Long Island.

The boat had 114 adult passengers confirmed through ticket records, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children below ticketing age.

Rescue teams, including subaqua units from the Zimbabwe National Army and ZRP, have been working around the clock to retrieve bodies from the water. Officials say the chances of finding anyone alive are now slim.

The tragedy has cast a harsh spotlight on Kariba’s deteriorating road infrastructure, which has forced travelers to increasingly rely on the lake’s aging maritime transport network.

Stakeholders have voiced growing frustration over the neglect of the Harare-Chirundu highway, a key route linking the region to domestic and international visitors.

“Connectivity is an issue that must be tackled head-on,” said Cephas Shonhiwa of the Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba, noting that 70 percent of visitors to the region rely on road transport.

Senator James Gumbo described Kariba’s current state as a crisis, saying the town’s decline has been evident for the past 20 years.

President Mnangagwa has since declared the tragedy a State of Disaster, allowing the government to mobilize extraordinary measures and resources for the ongoing response.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe confirmed the declaration, adding that rescue efforts involving multiple agencies remain active.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Search operations are ongoing.