Published: 7 hours ago

Zimbabwe and Zambia have launched a joint pilot project to install floating buoys on Lake Kariba in a bid to clearly demarcate their shared international boundary and reduce long-standing tensions among fishing communities.

The initiative targets a 10km stretch starting from the Kariba Dam wall and is being implemented with support from the African Union Border Programme and GIZ. It comes after years of disputes caused by the absence of visible boundary markers on the lake, which is approximately 280km long.

Officials say unclear borders have led to frequent cases of accidental crossing, arrests of fishermen, and seizure of boats by authorities from both countries—often damaging livelihoods and straining cross-border relations.

Zambia's Assistant Surveyor-General, Kelvin Chibangula, said the problem is largely practical rather than intentional, as many fishermen operate without GPS equipment or formal navigation tools.

He explained that the buoys will provide a visible reference point to reduce accidental crossings and the resulting enforcement actions.

Zimbabwe's Surveyor-General, Edwin Guvara, emphasised that the success of the project will depend on local cooperation, urging fishing communities to protect the infrastructure from damage or tampering. He warned that destroying or moving buoys could recreate confusion and renewed conflict.

Development partners supporting the project said the broader goal is to transform borders from sources of friction into zones of cooperation. GIZ's Yannick Le Gleau said clearer demarcation would improve safety and promote shared economic activity on the lake.

The African Union Border Programme described the initiative as historic, noting that it is the first pilot of floating lake boundary markers on the continent.

If successful, the pilot could be expanded along the full length of the lake boundary, offering a more permanent solution to a long-running source of tension between the two neighbouring countries.
- newsday

You might also want to read this

• OK Zimbabwe temporarily suspends employee salaries
• Air Zimbabwe to resume London flights by June
• Air Zimbabwe missing aircraft mystery
• US announces policy shift on engaging Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwe faces heavy rains, flash flood risk
• The Mall of Zimbabwe set to be biggest retail investment
• 'Zimbabwe economy to grow 6%'
• Forbes overtakes Beitbridge as Zimbabwe's busiest commercial border post
• Zimbabwe among countries losing the most purchasing power