New Project Launched to Improve Bridge Safety Across Zambia
The Road Development Agency has held the first Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting for the Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Capacity Building Project, marking the start of a new phase aimed at strengthening Zambia’s bridge maintenance systems.
The meeting, held in Lusaka, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. The initiative builds on earlier phases launched in 2015 with support from the Japanese Government to enhance the country’s capacity to manage and maintain bridge infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Albert Malama, Dr Richard Banda said the second phase of the project, which concluded in late 2025, had significantly improved the technical capacity of engineers at both headquarters and provincial levels.
He noted that the programme had strengthened routine maintenance planning, repair capabilities and contract management systems within the RDA. “The knowledge gained from the previous phases will be put to good use as we continue to ensure sustainable maintenance of our bridge infrastructure,” he said.
Dr Banda added that the newly commissioned Bridge Maintenance Centre at the University of Zambia, opened in January 2026, would play a critical role in research, training and emergency response, helping to safeguard the country’s road network.
The third phase of the project, which commenced on 5 March 2026, will focus on sustaining these gains while expanding capacity to include contractors, particularly small-scale firms, to improve participation in bridge maintenance and repair works.
Acting RDA Director and Chief Executive Officer Jairos M’hango, represented by Eng. Ziko Banda, said the JCC would oversee implementation, including approving annual work plans and monitoring progress against targets.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing adequate resources to ensure the project’s success.
Meanwhile, Head of Civil Engineering at UNZA, Dr Charles Kahanji, highlighted the impact of the programme on regional capacity building.
He revealed that more than 60 students and professionals from countries including Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique had already been trained through the initiative.
“The Bridge Maintenance Centre will not only benefit Zambia but also serve engineers across the region,” he said, adding that the facility is equipped with advanced tools, including a wheel-running fatigue testing machine, the first of its kind in Africa.
In closing remarks, JICA Senior Representative Izumi Keita said the new phase would support the development of long-term maintenance plans and strengthen technical assessments of bridge load capacity.
