Harare, September 8, 2026 – Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has announced a series of urgent measures to support communities affected by last month’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster, while simultaneously granting e-hailing operators a five-month reprieve from new regulations to allow for a thorough sector review.
Presenting the disaster response on behalf of Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Social Development, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe outlined a four-pronged strategy focusing on humanitarian relief and psychosocial support, recovery and resilience building, transport and infrastructure development, and community training in disaster risk reduction.
Under the immediate relief component, the government will deploy mental health specialists to affected areas, distribute emergency supplies, protect children, and promote education. The infrastructure plan includes road repairs, replacement of the ill-fated vessel, establishment of affordable ferry services, and the installation of early warning systems equipped with weather stations, drones, and communication tools. A comprehensive emergency response plan will also be developed, alongside improved access to water and sanitation.
Garwe stressed that financial resources from the National Civil Protection Fund would be released promptly to support recovery programmes, and that communities would receive training in water safety, first aid, and disaster preparedness.
The August 1 capsizing of the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda vessel claimed at least 97 lives and was later declared a national disaster. The new measures aim to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and longstanding gaps in water transport safety and emergency response capacity.
In a separate Cabinet briefing, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube announced a five-month moratorium on the regulation of e-hailing services such as Bolt, InDrive, Tap & Go, GoFaster, and KOSE. The pause will allow authorities to review the sector and develop a permanent regulatory framework.
During the moratorium, e-hailing businesses will be required to register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), while existing operators must regularise their tax registrations. The government will work with industry players and regulators to create a self-regulatory framework that strengthens passenger safety and clarifies tax obligations.
Ncube noted that e-hailing has become an important part of Zimbabwe’s transport system, providing affordable services and creating jobs, particularly for young people. However, he said regulatory challenges were affecting the ease of doing business. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has been directed to develop regulations specific to e-hailing, taking into account international best practices.
The twin announcements reflect the government’s dual focus on immediate crisis response and longer-term reforms to improve transport and public services across the country.
