A new, fully certified ferry has been officially commissioned on the Kariba-Chalala route, in a move authorities are presenting as a step toward safer and more reliable water transport on Lake Kariba.

The Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer J.P. Makumbe, led the commissioning of the vessel, named the Silverstone, which is operated by a private company, High Ferries Pvt Ltd. The ferry has a maximum passenger capacity of 60 and comes fitted with two dedicated tender boats, intended to allow for a fast response in the event of an emergency on the water.

Officials say the vessel was built with safety and emergency preparedness at its core, from its certification process through to its onboard equipment. The capped passenger limit and the inclusion of dedicated tender boats are being highlighted as key features that set the new ferry apart, giving both operators and passengers added assurance during crossings.

Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, is an important transport link for communities living around its shores, many of whom rely on boats to reach islands, fishing camps, and towns given the limited road infrastructure in the area. A dependable, well-equipped ferry service on routes such as Kariba-Chalala helps support daily travel and trade for these communities.

Authorities have described the commissioning of the Silverstone as another step toward improving standards across the country’s inland water transport sector. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen safety measures and modernise the vessels serving Zimbabwe’s lakes and waterways.

For now, the Kariba-Chalala route has a new, certified option in service, adding to the transport choices available to residents and visitors travelling across this stretch of Lake Kariba.