By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the Lake Kariba ferry disaster following the loss of lives in the tragedy.

In a statement, by Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo, the labour federation expressed its deepest condolences to the families, relatives, friends and communities affected by the disaster, saying the nation was mourning lives that had been “suddenly and tragically cut short.”

The ZCTU also commended those involved in search, rescue and recovery operations and expressed solidarity with survivors and affected communities.

So far 44 people have been confirmed dead while 77 were rescued. The ferry is suspected to have been carrying in excess of 150 people and luggage.

However, the labour body said the loss of life on a public transport system required more than mourning, arguing that it demanded accountability and corrective action.

“Every person who boards a public transport vessel is entitled to the reasonable assurance that the vessel is seaworthy, properly maintained, adequately equipped and operated in accordance with the highest applicable safety standards,” the ZCTU said.

It called on the authorities to establish the precise circumstances and causes of the disaster, including the condition and seaworthiness of the vessel, maintenance and inspection records, compliance with safety regulations, operational procedures and emergency preparedness.

“Accordingly, the ZCTU calls upon the competent authorities to institute a full, independent, transparent and expeditious investigation into the circumstances surrounding this disaster. Such an investigation must establish, without fear or favour, the precise causes of the tragedy, including the condition and seaworthiness of the vessel, maintenance and inspection records, compliance with applicable safety regulations, operational procedures, emergency preparedness and the adequacy of regulatory oversight. The findings of the investigation must be made public, and where negligence, dereliction of duty, regulatory failure, non-compliance with safety requirements  or any other culpable conduct is established, the appropriate legal and administrative consequences must follow. Accountability must not end with the publication of a report; it must translate into tangible corrective measures and, where warranted, prosecution or disciplinary action,” reads the statement.

The federation further urged the Government to conduct an urgent and comprehensive safety audit of all ferries and other water-transport vessels operating in Zimbabwe.

The audit, it said, should cover structural integrity, maintenance systems, inspection certificates, lifesaving equipment, passenger capacity, crew competency and emergency-response mechanisms.

The ZCTU also called for vessels that no longer meet safety standards or have exceeded their safe operational lifespan to be decommissioned and replaced with modern, reliable and properly certified vessels.

The labour body said workers and ordinary citizens who rely on public transport should not be forced to choose between affordability and safety.

“Public transportation is an essential component of the national economic and social infrastructure,” the ZCTU said, stressing that the State and relevant authorities had a duty to ensure that human life remained paramount.

The federation urged the Government to use the tragedy as a catalyst for investment in safer transport infrastructure, stronger regulatory supervision and rigorous enforcement of safety standards.

As Zimbabwe mourns the victims, the ZCTU reiterated its solidarity with the bereaved families and affected communities and paid tribute to those continuing with the search, rescue and recovery efforts.