Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Victoria Falls Bridge, one of Africa’s most iconic structures, is this year celebrating 120 years of connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe, while serving as a vital commercial and tourism landmark.
Completed in 1905, the bridge stands as one of Africa’s most remarkable engineering achievements. Constructed entirely from steel, it spans 198 metres across the second gorge of the falls, with its majestic arch rising 156,5 metres above the river at its highest point.
In a statement, the Emerged Railways Properties (ERP) board said: “This year marks the 120th anniversary of the most iconic bridge in Zambia in terms of historical, tourism and commercial significance. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River, just a few hundred metres from the majestic Victoria Falls,” the statement read.
The bridge features a single-lane roadway, a railway track, and a pedestrian footpath located between and on both sides of the structure. It remains the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and one of just three road connections between the two nations.
The Victoria Falls Bridge is a critical artery for transport and trade between Zambia and Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods, people and services. As the sole rail connection between the two countries, it has played a pivotal role in regional commerce, linking southern Africa to markets as far afield as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Truck drivers, traders, and tourists rely on the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest border crossings in the region.
Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, especially as both countries continue to pursue deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Beyond its commercial value, the bridge has become a globally renowned tourist attraction, offering adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining, drawing thousands of thrill-seekers each year.
The bridge tour offers visitors breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls on one side and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel on the other.
“Train tours onto and across the bridge every week give hundreds of tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the bridge and its unique ambience, while sampling memorable cuisine aboard the train and watching the beautiful sunset!” the ERP Board said.
Despite its age, the bridge remains structurally sound, thanks to rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols.
The ERP board highlighted the collaborative efforts of engineers and security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in ensuring its continued integrity.
“The bridge boasts an impressive safety record spanning decades, as it is managed by experienced engineers who conduct thorough daily, monthly, quarterly and annual inspections. These are overseen by a combination of engineers from institutions such as the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia, the Zimbabwe Roads Department, specialised bridge safety engineers, and security personnel from both countries,” the statement read.
An independent international engineering firm carries out a principal inspection every five years to assess the bridge’s structural integrity.
The most recent assessment, conducted in 2022, confirmed the bridge’s exceptional durability, projecting a lifespan of 200 years from its construction — meaning it could remain operational until 2105.
“As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls Bridge is generally in very good condition, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient to ensure its longevity. Provided the listed maintenance items are addressed and good practices continue, we estimate the main structure will last 200 years from its original construction, i.e., until 2105 (2100),” the statement concluded.
Bongani Ndlovu