Tonga Communities Call for Action to Protect Lake Kariba

KARIBA — For the Tonga people living around Lake Kariba, the lake is more than a body of water. It is a source of transport, food and livelihood. But following the boat tragedy of 11 August 2026, community members are raising fresh concerns about safety on the lake.

The concerns emerged during a community discussion held after the disaster, which claimed lives and left residents questioning whether enough is being done to prevent a recurrence. While some residents welcomed the introduction of new boats to improve transport, others argued that better vessels alone will not solve the challenges facing the lake.

One community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the focus should go beyond the boats to what is happening in the water itself.

“There is nothing wrong with the comments and with getting new transport. The bigger issue is the water our boats are sailing on,” the member said in Shona. “Hapana hapo chakaipa pama comments nekuwanirwa chokufambisa. Nyaya hombe iri pamvura irikufambwa nezvikepe zvedu.”

The member said a recent trip raised questions after noticing unusual water conditions between Kemurala and Rhino Island.

“I thought it was bad weather, but when we returned it was the same, even though Lake Kariba was calm,” he said.

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, said he had travelled through the Kemurala area three days earlier and that conditions had changed compared to the past.

“I worked in that area, especially around Kemurala, three days ago. What we knew before and what is there now is very different. It has become really difficult,” he said. “Three days ago ndakakushandira especially area ye Kemurala. Zvatayiziva kare neparizvino zvasiya kurikuita kurema chaiko.”

He added that after spending a night in the area, some travellers wanted to return home.

Community members also called for unity among the Tonga people in addressing issues affecting the lake.

“Let us come together as children of Kariba, as Tonga people, and fix our tradition,” said one resident. “Ngatibanei sevana vemuKariba, mbuli baTonga, tigadzirise chivanhu chedu.”

Another urged the community to focus on the possible causes of the August tragedy rather than only on the boats being introduced.

“Let us as Tonga people look at what happened and what might have caused the accident. Let us debate this issue,” he said.

Concerns were also raised about overloading, with residents questioning the safety of transporting large numbers of people and heavy vehicles on the lake.

Traditional leadership was also brought into the discussion, with one member saying the matter requires the involvement of chiefs.

“This matter requires chiefs. We, the children, are just watching,” he said. “Izvo zvinoda madzimambo, isu vana takangotarisa.”

For communities around Lake Kariba, the debate is no longer just about acquiring new boats. It is about understanding changing water conditions, improving safety standards, and involving local communities and traditional leaders in decision-making.

Residents are now calling on authorities and traditional leaders to listen to their concerns and take action to prevent another tragedy on the lake.