Govt plans ferry for Zambezi River

GOVERNMENT plans to buy a ferry to transport people and goods on the Zambezi River between Katima Mulilo and Impalila Island.
In the latest press release on Cabinet decisions, it is stated that a ferry should be acquired to carry up to 80 passengers and 3,5 tonnes of cargo.

Five Government posts are to be created to manage the future ferry, which will fall under the Works and Transport Ministry.Back in 2000, the Ministry commissioned a study on the transport needs on the Zambezi River because residents on Impalila Island are virtually cut off from the mainland.’They depend largely on services in Botswana for their survival. This dependency dictates that they should have passports and pass through immigration every time they cross the border, while the necessary travel documents can only be obtained from Katima Mulilo,’ the statement said.’The feasibility study has shown that there is a demand for such a ferry service, especially in the flood season.’Cabinet decided that such a ferry should be purchased and five people appointed and trained as crew members.All necessary legal documents, including safety regulations and the possibility of privatisation of the ferry service, or a public-private partnership, should be drawn up and promulgated, Cabinet ordered.