The Kariba community will have to pay more for transport on Lake Kariba when a new ferry becomes operational in the coming weeks.
The privately owned MV Silverstone, which has been given the green light by the government to operate on the lake, will charge higher fares than those in place before the Mbuya Nehanda capsized on 11 August 2026 and went out of service.
The 60-seater vessel, which is owned by Hillary Mangove, will service the Kariba-Chalala corridor, including Musambakaruma Fishing Camp and Kings Camp.
Fares have risen sharply. The Kariba-Chalala route has increased from US$10 to US$15, the Musamba fare from US$8 to US$12, and the Kings Camp fare from US$6 to US$8.
Mangove said the MV Silverstone is not intended to replace the ill-fated RIDA Mbuya Nehanda vessel but to restore services to communities left isolated.
“We are not coming as a replacement for RIDA Mbuya Nehanda but to cover the gap they left after the sad 11 August incident,” he said.
However, the start of operations has been delayed. The service, which was meant to improve transport for fishing communities and island villages starting this week, will now only commence next month after a traditional cleansing ceremony following last month’s fatal boat disaster.
Local traditional leaders are expected to conduct the cultural rites, which could happen in about two weeks.
Mangove said the company had been instructed to suspend operations by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
“We received a call from the Transport Ministry. The Minister, Felix Tapiwa Mhona, has instructed that we stop operations until the cleansing ceremony is held. This might take about two weeks. We were ready,” he said.
He added that he had paid half of the annual US$2,500 ZimParks lake usage fee, US$1,250, and is awaiting finalisation of his operating permit.
Source: Lake Kariba fares to rise as new ferry prepares to start operations ⋆ Pindula News
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