Heavy vehicles restricted from iconic Vic Falls bridge

LIVINGSTONE – ZAMBIA and Zimbabwe are to restrict the use of the Victoria Falls Bridge by heavy trucks and trains due to its age and structural limitations.

The iconic bridge, opened in 1905, has technically outlived its original 100-year design lifespan, raising concerns over its capacity to handle modern heavy traffic loads.

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia disclosed the restrictions when he addressed the conference of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) in Livingstone this past weekend.

He disclosed the two countries were planning to construct a new bridge and railway crossing that will accommodate heavy trucks and trains, while preserving the historic structure.

The old bridge crosses the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls and is built over the Second Gorge of the falls.

It was the brainchild of Cecil Rhodes as part of his grand and unfulfilled Cape to Cairo railway scheme.

Meanwhile, at the 69th Annual General Meeting and Symposium of EIZ, Hichilema called for uncompromising standards and strengthened collaboration between government and EIZ.

He urged professionals to seize the growing business opportunities being unlocked.

“Together, we must build a nation anchored on quality, integrity and forward-looking innovation, towards a stronger, more prosperous Zambia,” he said.

The conference has brought together engineers, policymakers and industry players to discuss innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges and sustainable development.

“Engineering remains central to Zambia’s national development agenda,” Credo Nanjuwa, Southern Province Minister, said.

– CAJ News