Zambia & Zimbabwe to ban heavy trucks and trains on Victoria Falls bridge

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has announced that Zambia and Zimbabwe have agreed to restrict the use of the Victoria Falls Bridge by heavy trucks and trains.

Speaking during the Engineering Institution of Zambia –EIZ- conference in Livingstone, President HICHILEMA said the historic structure, which is more than 100 years old, is no longer suitable for heavy-duty traffic.

The Head of State said the two countries plan to construct a new bridge and railway crossing to accommodate heavy trucks and trains.

President HICHILEMA also reiterated the Government’s target to grow Zambia’s economy to 80 billion United States dollars.

He said the economy has nearly doubled over the past four and a half years and added that efforts are underway to ensure all provinces contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product.

The President further proposed linking the Luapula River to the Kafue River to increase power generation.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister CHARLES MILUPI said the country is moving from reactive to forward-looking infrastructure planning that anticipates demand driven by climate change, urbanisation and technological advancement.

And Southern Province Minister CREDO NANJUWA said engineering remains central to Zambia’s national development.