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On way back from Kariba as Mashwest MPs on solidarity visit to Kariba community & MP Hon Gwangwaba. I’ll highlight overlooked issues. As legislator for Mash West, I share stakeholder engagement insights & way forward for victims/community. Aim: provoke debate among Mash West legislators, prompt govt action, & offer national perspective.
Ferry as most efficient link
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Mbuya Nehanda ferry $10 vs road $30+ for same constituency.
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Lake distance 120km straight vs 400km+ road.
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Road costs: bus $8 Kariba–Karoi, $18 Karoi–Siakobvu, $5 hiking to Mola (no buses; only bus had accident).
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Road trip takes full day – raises representation/service delivery concerns.
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Road poor: bridge to Siakobvu swept away; Karoi–Siakobvu 200km took 4hrs (longer for public).
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Chirundu highway needs refurb; contractors inactive due to no budget except pothole patching.
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Ferry to Chalala Tues/Fri, returns Wed/Sat. Previous Sat carried 300+; fatal day likely 200+ vs changing official figures.
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Issues: need better checks/tech, corruption allegations, need new infrastructure.
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Tally hard: kids under7 free, staff exempt, crew‑facilitated extras unrecorded. Solution: collate from relatives.
Economic realities
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Area relies on Zambezi water economy.
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Lack of infrastructure limits potential for Mash West; it’s a big GDP contributor – poor management risks doom.
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Community relies on urban Kariba & fish camps; tourism potential (Matusadonha) underused.
Grieving community pain
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Each new body discovery forces families to view all bodies – traumatic if no result.
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Bodies decomposed & fish‑damaged; road transport worsens viewability; air evacuation needed.
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In Mola, nearly every household has funeral; 30+ families await bodies.
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Survivor traumatised at burial – psychological support urgently needed.
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Grassroots support (councillors, MP) good, but central govt should do more. Example: independence celebrations provide game meat; same courtesy would help (unverified instruction for elephant).
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$100 compensation insufficient – many lost breadwinners; comprehensive package needed.
Looking forward
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Full enquiry & accountability – lessons learned, heads must roll.
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Intensify search to recover bodies quickly to shorten grief.
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Invest in modern water transport (like Rhine) to replace ferry.
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Serious road investment & prioritisation.
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True devolution for full potential.
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Mashwest hosts 2027 Tourism Expo (Sanganayi/Hlanganani) – use year to realise tourism potential, honour victims.
NB: Impressed by Chief Mola & MP Hon Gwangwaba – Tonga leaders with vision, passion, humility, service, going extra mile.
Leslie E Mhangwa (MP)
