UNZA Launches Bridge Centre to Strengthen Zambia’s Infrastructure
The Road Development Agency (RDA), in partnership with the University of Zambia (UNZA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Gifu University of Japan, has officially commissioned the Bridge Centre at UNZA, a move aimed at strengthening infrastructure management and human resource development in Zambia and the region.
The official opening was presided over by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and attended by senior representatives from JICA, UNZA management, Gifu University, RDA staff, and other stakeholders.
The event highlighted the strong and longstanding cooperation between the governments of Zambia and Japan in advancing sustainable infrastructure development.
The Bridge Centre has been established to support the training of bridge engineers within the RDA and related organisations. It forms part of Output 4 of the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) Phase II, which began in March 2019 and concluded in March 2024. While the first three outputs were successfully completed, Output 4 is being implemented in collaboration with UNZA to ensure continuity and long-term impact.
During the event, the Permanent Secretary commended Eng. Bornwell Siakanomba from RDA, who recently earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Gifu University, as a model of long-term capacity building supported by JICA and its benefits to Zambia.
He also thanked JICA and the Government of Japan for their continued support in developing local technical expertise.
A key mandate of the Centre is to deliver structured capacity-building programmes, including the Bridge Maintenance Experts (BME) training course. The training has already benefitted engineers from the RDA, local consultants, contractors, and participants from road authorities and ministries in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, positioning the Centre as a regional hub for bridge engineering excellence.
The inaugural Bridge Experts Training was held in February 2024, with two successful programmes completed since then, significantly strengthening national and regional technical capacity in bridge inspection, maintenance, and management.
The Bridge Centre is equipped with modern training and research facilities, including 26 iPads, specialised bridge inspection equipment, and a wheel-running fatigue testing machine for critical bridge elements. These resources support practical learning, applied research, and evidence-based decision-making in bridge asset management.
The initiative has been recognised for its potential generational impact, promoting continuous skills development, knowledge transfer, and collaboration between academia and the road sector. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the RDA applies the knowledge and skills gained to improve bridge management nationwide.
