Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have commemorated the 120th anniversary of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, a historic structure lauded as a marvel of engineering and a lasting symbol of unity, friendship, and cross-border co-operation. The majestic bridge has played a pivotal role in enhancing trade, commerce and tourism across the region.
Tuesday’s grand celebration, held at the bridge itself, drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, senior Government officials, and railway executives from both nations. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the bridge’s rich heritage and its crucial contribution to socio-economic development.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Joshua Sacco, underscored the strategic significance of the bridge, aligning it with the Government’s broader development agenda.
“Our own President Mnangagwa recently emphasised that the Second Republic recognises infrastructure as a foundation for economic development. Accordingly, the Second Republic is driving the transformation of the country’s infrastructure.
Adequate infrastructure is essential for the attainment of Vision 2030, and has therefore been identified as one of the key enablers of economic growth,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.
He described the Victoria Falls Bridge as a prime example of such vital transport infrastructure.
“Having been constructed 120 years ago, this facility has served our two countries for the longest time. It has played a central role in facilitating the movement of goods, livestock and other resources,” he said.
Spanning the majestic Zambezi River, the bridge links the towns of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. Completed in 1905, its construction was a remarkable engineering achievement, intended to realise Cecil John Rhodes’ vision of a Cape to Cairo railway line.
Today, the bridge is jointly managed and operated by Emerged Railways Properties Private Limited (ERP), a special purpose vehicle established on 21 November 1996 to oversee interstate assets formerly under Rhodesia Railways. This arrangement reflects the deep-rooted co-operation between the two nations.
National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) board chairman, Dr Misheck Sibanda, described the bridge as a symbol of the enduring ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“This bridge represents the existing bonds between our nations, which have already led to partnerships and collaborations on key projects. It reflects the permanence of our relationship, as it is one of our so-called indivisible assets,” he said.
Dr Sibanda also highlighted the ongoing commitment of NRZ and its Zambian counterpart, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), to the bridge’s upkeep.
“Both NRZ and ZRL continue to demonstrate the importance they place on this facility, ensuring that ERP remains operationally viable to guarantee the proper management and functioning of the bridge,” he said.
From the Zambian side, Zambia Railways Limited chairman, Mr Emmanuel Hachipuka, echoed the bridge’s symbolic significance.
“This bridge stands as a testament to the lasting and dependable relationship between our two countries, and affirms our commitment to collaborate in the best interests of our peoples,” he said.
Mr Hachipuka also paid tribute to the leadership of Presidents Hakainde Hichilema and Emmerson Mnangagwa for maintaining strong bilateral relations.
Beyond its symbolic importance, the bridge serves as a vital commercial and social conduit. It facilitates the movement of substantial volumes of cargo by both rail and road, strengthening trade not only between Zimbabwe and Zambia but also with other nations in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc region.
It also acts as a key link for social interaction, enabling citizens from both sides to forge and maintain close ties.
Moreover, the bridge is a major tourist attraction in its own right, offering world-renowned experiences such as bungee jumping, guided bridge tours and scenic train rides. These activities contribute significantly to the tourism economies of both Livingstone and Victoria Falls, drawing thousands of international visitors each year to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Smoke that Thunders.
The celebration served as a poignant reminder of a shared history and a collective commitment to safeguarding this vital asset for future generations — ensuring that the Victoria Falls Bridge remains a beacon of unity and prosperity for another 120 years.
