The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) provided much of the immediate financial and fuel assistance following the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster, Kariba Mayor Ralph Maoneyi has said.
Almost two months after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, killing at least 97 people, affected families are still waiting for structured psychosocial support, assistance for children and clarity on compensation.
Speaking on CITE’s “This Morning on Asakhe” programme on Monday, Maoneyi said the initial emergency response had provided some relief but had not been followed by a coordinated long-term recovery plan.
“There were a number of promises in terms of money that would be made available and what would be done during the recovery period, including psychosocial support. Unfortunately, a number of those factors are still pending,” he said.
“The greater chunk of the first response in terms of money and fuel was availed by the Zambezi River Authority.”
Maoneyi said the reported US$100 given to each victim formed part of that immediate response, alongside food and other assistance from private players, which was managed through a centralised system.
However, he said that emergency assistance had not translated into a structured programme for survivors and bereaved families.
“We want to see an inquiry into what really took place and to ensure there is continuous, properly structured psychosocial support,” he said.
The mayor said the impact of the disaster extended beyond Kariba, with victims drawn from across the country, yet there had been no clarity on what caused the tragedy.
“We have not received clarity as to what happened. Someone might have lost their mother who had come for fishing here but was staying in Chitungwiza or elsewhere, because people were coming from all over the place,” he said.
“The proper, structured process has not yet begun, but we hope something will be implemented soon, as promised.”
Maoneyi said accountability must include compensation for loss of life and other losses suffered in the disaster.
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