Stalled Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road project gets funding

 Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona has admitted that the critical rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road has stalled due to severe funding constraints and contractor capacity issues, but promised a "massive" remobilisation of workers starting this August.

The minister’s admission came during a heated National Assembly Q&A session on Wednesday, following a sharp rebuke from Lupane East legislator Siphathisiwe Machangu, who described the 440km highway as a scene of "complete abandonment".

Machangu challenged the government’s policy on allowing contractors to desert projects, leaving vital infrastructure in a dangerous and deteriorated state.

She painted a bleak picture of the current situation on the ground, noting that between Bulawayo and Lupane, and further through Jotsholo towards Hwange, not a single construction vehicle is in sight.

"The roads are just empty," Machangu told the House, demanding a clear timeline for when the "reconstruction" would resume.

In a frank response, Mhona conceded that the project had indeed "stalled". He attributed the delays to a combination of variables, including "delays in payment" from the treasury and some contractors who overrepresented their "capacity" to do the work.

He noted that in the past, some contractors anticipated upfront deposits before disappearing, though the government now requires a demonstration of capacity first.

The minister revealed a startling fiscal reality. His ministry was allocated the equivalent of only US$150 million for road projects across the entire country for the current year.

"You are the owners of the place, this august House," Mhona told the MPs. "You gave us US150 million and if we just apply it to that road [Bulawayo-Victoria Falls], it is inadequate."

Despite the budgetary shortfall, Mhona insisted the government is now "thinking outside the box" by pursuing public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements and loan facilities. He informed the House that a 750km stretch—originally starting from Beitbridge—was initially under a PPP, but the government had to intervene on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls section specifically because it was in such a "sorry state."

To address the 440km stretch, the  ministry has engaged eight contractors, each assigned a 50km section.

While Machangu reported seeing no activity, the minister argued that some work might be hidden by detours "divorced from the main road."  He claimed that nine kilometres of the road were recently opened to traffic two and a half weeks ago.

In a significant commitment to Matabeleland North residents and the tourism sector, Mhona announced that a new infrastructure framework has been agreed upon between the Transport and Finance ministries to ensure contractors are paid.

"I want to say to Hon. Machangu, yes, watch the space and as we move towards August, you will see massive rehabilitation again," Mhona promised.

"Those contractors will be mobilised again to their various sections... you will see an accelerated pace going forward."

The state of the road remains a point of high anxiety for regional leaders. Hwange MP Daniel Bonda also weighed in, urging the ministry to ensure that even while working on specific sections, contractors must maintain detours that have become "no longer trafficable."

Mhona confirmed that current contracts now mandate routine maintenance of entire sections, including detours, to keep traffic flowing.

Source: Stalled Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road project gets funding (02/08/26)

Treasury constraints stall strategic Vic Falls Rd rehab

 THE government has admitted that financial constraints are slowing the rehabilitation of the strategic Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, even as the poor road conditions continue to disrupt tourism, transport and public travel.

The concerns emerged in the Senate recently after legislators inquired about the state of major highways linking Zimbabwe to regional trade corridors and tourism destinations.

Responding to questions in the Upper House, Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona acknowledged the deteriorating state of the Victoria Falls Road, saying Treasury limitations were affecting the pace of rehabilitation work despite pressure to complete the project.

The issue was raised by Senator Apollonia Munzverengwi, who cited delays experienced during a recent UN Tourism conference linked to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, where delegates reportedly arrived after the programme had already ended because of the poor state of the road.

She asked: “Is it possible to allocate funds specifically for the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls Road?”

In response, Mhona described the route as a critical tourism and regional transport artery.

“Visitors to our country often wish to see the Victoria Falls, making this road crucial for tourism,” he said.

He said the government was engaging Treasury to secure dedicated funding for the project.

“Our Treasury is limited and when we face financial challenges, we often have to draw from the same resources,” Mhona told the Senate.

“Therefore, I am informing this Parliament that we are working with the Ministry of Finance so that we get money from Treasury so that the road is completed.”

The minister said eight contractors were already working along sections of the highway following public complaints over potholes and deteriorating surfaces.

“The road to Victoria Falls was constructed in the 1960s, so the road need to be rehabilitated to better standards,” he said.

The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is one of Zimbabwe’s most important transport corridors, linking the country to the tourism hub of Victoria Falls and providing access to regional routes connecting Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.

For years, motorists, tourism operators and cross-border transporters have complained about potholes, narrow sections and delays caused by ongoing rehabilitation work.

The Senate debate also highlighted broader concerns around Zimbabwe’s regional transport integration strategy, particularly regarding the Kazungula transport corridor.

Senator Michael Bimha queried the status of Zimbabwe’s participation in the Kazungula route project after earlier reports suggested that the country had initially been excluded.

Mhona confirmed that Zimbabwe was not originally part of the Kazungula Bridge initiative, which was initially developed by Zambia and Botswana, but said Harare later negotiated access into the corridor framework.

“It is true that when the Kazungula Bridge project began, Zimbabwe was not initially involved,” Mhona said.

“However, we later agreed to utilise that same bridge. A committee was established to ensure our participation in the programme.”

He said the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge route had increased traffic volumes, with more than 1 000 vehicles now reportedly passing through the border town daily.

“After the renovation of Beitbridge Bridge, many travellers have opted for this route which is approximately 200 kilometres shorter,” Mhona said.

The minister also linked improved road infrastructure to rising road accidents, warning that speeding on rehabilitated highways was contributing to increasing fatalities.

Senator Sengezo Tshabangu told the Senate that ZimStat figures indicated that road accidents and fatalities had risen significantly between 2024 and 2025.

In response, Mhona said many fatal crashes were occurring on newly-rehabilitated stretches where motorists fail to observe speed limits.

“Normally, when you check where these accidents are happening, it will be a nice stretch of the road. People are speeding,” he said.

Mhona revealed that Zimbabwe was losing nearly seven people daily in road accidents.

“It is saddening that we are losing almost seven lives per day on our roads,” Mhona said.

“Given the magnitude of our population, which is about 16 million and we are losing over 2 000 souls per annum, it is something that cannot be condoned.”

Meanwhile, Senator Jericho Gotora raised concern over detours along the Victoria Falls rehabilitation route, particularly between Mabale and Cross Dete, where communities were reportedly struggling to access transport services.

Mhona acknowledged complaints over detours that were reportedly passing through wildlife zones and villages.

“We spoke to the contractor and we quickly closed that road,” he said, adding that authorities would rehabilitate roads used as temporary detours once construction work was complete.

Source: Treasury constraints stall strategic Vic Falls Rd rehab (20/05/2026)

Botswana and Zambia rail link could transform Victoria Falls travel

 A planned railway between Botswana and Zambia is moving forward, and while the project is still in the study phase, it already has clear travel implications for one of Southern Africa’s best-known tourism corridors.

According to travelnews.africa, The proposed Mosetse to Kazungula to Livingstone Rail Project was reviewed during a Joint Steering Committee meeting held in Kasane, Botswana, on 1 April 2026. According to the current plan, the route would stretch about 430 kilometres in total. Of that, 365 kilometres would run from Mosetse to Kazungula in Botswana, while the remaining 65 kilometres would continue from Kazungula to Livingstone in Zambia.

For travellers, the route matters because Livingstone is one of the main gateways to Victoria Falls. It also places the line within reach of major tourism areas in the region, including Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, and the wider Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Why the project matters beyond transport

At first glance, this may sound like a story about freight, logistics, and regional planning. It is that, but it is also more than that. In a part of Africa where border crossings, road transfers, and long travel times often shape the visitor experience, better connectivity can influence how people plan and enjoy a trip.

A rail link between Botswana and Zambia could eventually create a different kind of travel flow through the region. Instead of relying almost entirely on road movement, future visitors may have another way to connect key destinations. That could matter not only for convenience, but also for the experience itself. Rail travel tends to appeal to travellers who enjoy a slower, more scenic journey, especially in places where the landscape is part of the attraction.

A route through a major tourism corridor

This is not a railway proposal cutting through an area with little visitor interest. Kazungula sits near one of the busiest tourism gateways in the region, and Livingstone remains central to travel around Victoria Falls. Add nearby safari destinations and cross-border travel demand, and the project begins to look important from a tourism point of view, not only an infrastructure one.

For travel planners, that creates long-term potential. If the line is eventually built and opened, it could support broader multi-country itineraries linking Botswana and Zambia more smoothly. It could also strengthen travel packages built around safari, scenery, and regional exploration.

The role of Kazungula

Travel between Botswana and Zambia currently depends heavily on road transport, including the Kazungula Bridge crossing over the Zambezi River. That bridge improved movement significantly after it was commissioned in May 2021, helping both freight and passenger traffic in the area.

Even so, road transport remains vulnerable to delays, congestion, and infrastructure pressure. A rail option could help ease some of that demand in the future while improving cargo and passenger movement between the two countries.

Where the project stands now

The latest meeting in Kasane brought together senior government officials from both countries, including representatives from Botswana Railways and Zambia Railways Limited. The committee reviewed progress and gave direction on the next steps needed to move the project forward.

Among the priorities raised were unresolved consultant deliverables, approval of key milestones, and stronger coordination between institutions. Both governments also expressed a desire to see the bankable feasibility study completed as soon as possible, with the Joint Technical Committee tasked with finalising the outstanding studies by the end of 2026.

That means the project is not yet at the construction stage, and no final build timeline has been confirmed. Funding and feasibility work still need to be completed before the next phase can begin.

Why travellers should keep an eye on it

For now, the railway remains a plan. But it is a plan with the potential to shape future travel in a region already known for its mix of wildlife, river landscapes, and cross-border adventure.

If it moves beyond the current study phase, the line could eventually change how visitors connect Botswana and Zambia, especially around Victoria Falls and nearby safari areas. In a region where the journey often matters as much as the destination, that is what makes this project worth watching.

Source: Botswana and Zambia rail link could transform Victoria Falls travel (13/04/2026)

Vic Falls-Bulawayo Road broken promises

 The government has failed to meet its self-imposed deadline for the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, with less than 50 kilometres of work completed nearly a year after the project was announced.

Last June, authorities promised that the critical highway linking Bulawayo to the tourism hub of Victoria Falls would be fully rehabilitated within 10 months, setting an early April deadline for completion.

According to the Ministry of Transport updates, less than 50 kilometres of the road have been rehabilitated since the announcement, leaving motorists and tourism operators concerned about the delays.

Travellers are taking nearly up to ten hours to reach Victoria Falls from Bulawayo, more than double the normal travel time, because of the poor state of the road.

Hwange East Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Bonda, lamented the slow progress for the road construction

“Few detours have been released and some of them are still not functional,”  Bonda told Southern Eye.

“The detour from Dete to Hwange safaris is too long; the road used to be 15 km but now it has been stretched to about 70 km.”

Bulawayo based politician and academic Samukele Hadebe said the government may take years to complete rehabilitating the road.

“The road was in very bad condition and if the rehabilitation is to be effective then good work must be done,” Hadebe said.

“The stop-start approach to road construction has not been good or cost effective either. It results in poor workmanship and low levels of durability.”

Bulawayo mayor David Coltart called on the government to provide a progress update on the stalled project.

“Last June the government said that the @CityofBulawayo to Victoria Falls road would be rehabilitated within 10 months. The end of that 10 month period is early April. Can we be advised of progress?” Coltart posted on X.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister, Richard Moyo, however said the government was happy with the progress.

“We told them (contractors) to start with patching of potholes since the road was damaged by rains,” he said when contacted for comment.

“The contractors have not shifted their target; but we think that due to the rains, they may be forced to add more months to complete the project.”

He did not clarify on the new completion deadline.

The road is a vital economic corridor, connecting Bulawayo to one of its premier tourist destinations.

Tourism industry players have warned that the unfinished road works could negatively impact visitor numbers heading to Victoria Falls.

Source: Vic Falls-Bulawayo Road broken promises (5/3/2026)

Conservationists, Government move to protect wildlife, motorists on Bulawayo-Victoria Falls detour

 A coalition of conservation organisations and tourism operators has mobilised alongside the Government to safeguard both wildlife and motorists during the critical rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.

The major roadworks have necessitated the establishment of a significant detour between Cross Dete and Cross Mabale, a route that traverses a highly sensitive wildlife zone adjacent to Hwange National Park.

While essential for progress on the vital transport artery, the detour initially raised significant concerns among conservationists regarding the increased potential for dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Through a comprehensive whole-of-Government consultation process, these concerns were addressed to ensure the detour’s implementation minimised ecological disruption.

This collaborative approach has paved the way for proactive on-the-ground interventions led by the conservation community.

Leading the charge is Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), which has stationed its staff along high-risk sections of the detour.

Armed with “Slow Down” placards, teams are actively warning motorists to reduce speed and remain vigilant.

PDC’s marketing and communications manager, Ronnie Sibanda, confirmed the development.

“Now that the detour is here, PDC and other conservation organisations and tourism operators are doing everything to reduce wildlife and human carnage during this period,” he said.

He said their teams are actively guiding painted dogs away from the road when they are at risk, chasing dogs to safety when trucks approach, and maintaining roadside patrols with warning signs.

Mr Sibanda appealed to authorities for additional permanent measures such as wildlife warning signage and speed humps.

“We respectfully urge all road users to slow down, stay alert, and remember that this is a shared landscape.

“Development and conservation must go hand in hand, especially in areas of such high ecological importance. Wildlife cannot speak for itself; we will continue to stand in the gap,” he said.

The public-private partnership underscores a shared commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s natural heritage while advancing national infrastructure, setting a precedent for collaborative stewardship.

Source: Conservationists, Government move to protect wildlife, motorists on Bulawayo-Victoria Falls detour (26/01/2026)

Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road

 CABINET ministers and senior Government officials will this week lead journalists from various media houses on a tour of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and upgrading project.

The delegation will comprise Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairperson Cde Tawanda Karikoga, legislators and senior government officials will lead journalists on a tour to check on progress made so far.

The tour comes after the Government has prioritised the US$1,2 billion rehabilitation and upgrade of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway — including the construction of modern toll plazas with weighbridges — as one of the flagship infrastructure projects to be rolled out between 2026 and 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is a critical trade and tourism artery linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, is being upgraded under the Government’s ongoing national road rehabilitation and modernisation programme.

Initially, five contractors — Fossil Contracting, Masimba Construction, Syvern Investment, Bitumen Resources and Tensor Systems — were awarded contracts to rehabilitate sections of the 440-kilometre stretch.

However, the Government recently added three more contractors for Lots 6, 7 and 8, covering the final approaches to Victoria Falls, to fast-track completion.

Source: Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road (03/12/2025)

Bulawayo -Victoria Falls road rehabilitation works progressing well

 THE rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is progressing, with contractors on the ground and civil works on-going.

In line with the government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road remains one of the high priority infrastructure projects, wholly funded by the Treasury.

On Tuesday, the ZBC News crew toured sections of the road and witnessed on-going compacting works in the Hwange – South mining area, among other road works.

The motoring public has expressed appreciation for the progress being made.

“This is exciting for us, especially those of us from Mozambique who love driving to Victoria Falls. The travel time is now shorter. We thank the Government of Zimbabwe for this initiative,” said a motorist.

“We will be travelling smoothly, and this will reduce operational costs. We will no longer be buying spare parts frequently,” added another.

The government says the entire road upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

“I am happy that the strategy we adopted in the ministry was to divide the entire 440 kilometres, focusing mainly between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, where each contractor is responsible for about 51 kilometres. We deployed the first five contractors who began working on the detours, and an additional three contractors have since joined. This means eight contractors are now working on the entire stretch. This rehabilitation is crucial because the road is a gateway to the tourist hub of our country, Victoria Falls,” said the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona.

Some sections of the road have since been completed and opened to traffic.

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road is a vital link in the North–South Corridor, connecting South Africa through the Beitbridge border post with Zambia via Victoria Falls and Kazungula.

Source: Bulawayo -Victoria Falls road rehabilitation works progressing well (17/11/2025)

Outcry over Hwange park road detour

 A 45-KILOMETRE detour through Hwange National Park had sparked a fierce backlash from leading conservation and tourism operators in Zimbabwe, who warn that it threatens the ecological heart of the Hwange region and the economy it supports.

In letters seen by NewsDay, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) and the Amalinda Safari Collection have called for the immediate suspension of a plan to route commercial traffic through the sensitive Hwange National Park buffer zone.

The detour, from Cross Mabale to Mpofu to Dete to Cross Dete, is part of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation project, undertaken by Asphalt Products.

However, stakeholders allege that they were not consulted, adding that the plan posed “grave” and potentially irreversible” risks.

In a letter dated October 17, PDC’s executive director, Peter Blinston, said that the area was a “critical wildlife corridor and buffer” for the safe movement of animals between Hwange National Park and surrounding lands.

“The introduction of commercial traffic through this sensitive zone would severely undermine these conservation gains and pose a grave risk to wildlife,” Blinston wrote, highlighting the danger to endangered painted dogs, elephants and other large mammals.

Amalinda Safari Collection, which operates Khulu Bush Camp, Ivory Lodge and Sable Valley, detailed the operational and ecological threats in its letter of October 16.

The company's chief executive officer, Sharon Stead, warned that the route “traverses critical wildlife pathways and migratory routes,” and will "demonstrably elevate the risk of severe animal mortality.”

The tourism operator also raised practical concerns, stating that the detour adds “an unnecessary 45-kilometre extension to vehicle transit” and uses minor district roads "not suited to the anticipated vehicular load.”

This, they argue, will lead to delays, accelerated road degradation and a “severely compromised” service for guests, directly jeopardising the “substantial tourism revenue that supports local conservation and employment.”

Both organisations have expressed frustration at lack of prior engagement.

PDC’s letter noted that “key stakeholders, including ourselves and other conservation bodies... have not been consulted,” while Amalinda said the choice of route is “especially challenging" given the contractor’s understood capacity to build a “less intrusive alternative."

The unified front from the conservation and tourism sectors presents a significant challenge to the project.

PDC has respectfully requested that works be “immediately suspended” pending consultation and environmental assessment, and that alternative routes outside the wildlife buffer zone be explored.

Similarly, Amalinda has urged Asphalt Products to “immediately place the current detour plan under review” and to adopt an existing commercial route as the preferred alternative.

The dispute puts a spotlight on the perennial conflict between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in ecologically sensitive areas.

Blinston said the project “threatens the economic sustainability of tourism and conservation operations in the area — sectors that rely heavily on the protection of Hwange’s unique wildlife heritage.”

Asphalt Products managing director Francis Mangwendeza referred questions to the Transport ministry.

“I am not in a position to answer. Ask the Transport ministry,” he said.

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona did not answer questions sent to him. The government is currently constructing the strategic Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, which is also in a bad state.

Source: Outcry over Hwange park road detour (20/10/2025)

Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism

 This year marks a monumental milestone for one of Africa’s most iconic structures, the Victoria Falls Bridge, as it celebrates 120 years of connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe while serving as a vital commercial, historical, and tourism landmark.

Since its completion in 1905, the bridge has stood as a testament to engineering brilliance, linking the two nations across the Zambezi River just a few hundred metres from the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

The bridge, constructed entirely from steel, spans an impressive 198 metres across the second gorge of the falls, with its arch rising to 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the river.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the Emerged Railway Properties (ERP) Board, which manages the bridge, highlighted the bridge’s enduring significance.

“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.

“It is built across the second gorge from the Victoria Falls. It was constructed purely from steel, it spans an impressive 198 metres across the gorge. It is arch-shaped, with the arch rising to a height of approximately 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the Zambezi River,” reads the statement.

On the bridge are a one-vehicle-wide roadway, a railway track, and a footpath in between and on both sides of the bridge.

The bridge is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of only three road links between the two countries.

The Victoria Falls Bridge remains a critical transport and trade artery for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services.

As the only rail link between the two nations, it has played a pivotal role in regional trade, connecting southern Africa to markets as far as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Truck drivers, traders, and tourists alike rely on the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest border crossings in the region.

Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly as both nations continue to explore deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Beyond its commercial value, the bridge has become a world-renowned tourism attraction, offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining, drawing thousands of adventure seekers annually.

The bridge tour provides visitors with unparalleled 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 tasting memorable cuisine aboard the train, and viewing 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 emphasised the collaborative efforts of engineers and security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in ensuring its longevity.

“The bridge boasts an impressive safety record across the decades as it is managed by experienced engineers who undertake rigorous daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections and management protocols, overseen by a combination of engineers from institutions like the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia, the Zimbabwe Roads Department, specialised Bridge Safety engineers, as well as security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

An independent international engineering firm conducts a principal inspection every five years to assess structural integrity.

The most recent assessment in 2022 confirmed the bridge’s remarkable durability, projecting a lifespan of 200 years from its construction date, meaning it could remain operational until 2105.

“As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls Bridge is generally very healthy, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient for securing the durability. When the items listed in the summary above are taken care of, and the good maintenance practice continued, we assume main structures of 200 years from the original construction, i.e. until 2105 (~2100),” reads the statement.

Source: Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism (21/07/2025)

Botswana and Zambia Strengthen Railway Link to Accelerate Regional Integration

Botswana and Zambia reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration during the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting of the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway Link Project, held in Kazungula, Zambia. The meeting aimed to assess progress and define the strategic direction of the project, which seeks to facilitate trade, improve logistics, and boost economic growth in the region.

The Botswana delegation was led by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Noah Salakae, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ken Ketshajwang, Joint Steering Committee (JSC) Co-Chair Alpheus Matlhaku, and Botswana’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Plato Kabelo Gaoboi. Representatives from Botswana Railways were also in attendance.

On the Zambian side, the delegation was headed by Minister of Transport and Logistics Museba Tayali, joined by Permanent Secretary Fredrick Mwalusaka, JSC Co-Chair Engineer Nkumbu Siame, Joint Technical Committee (JTC) Co-Chair Engineer Cuthbert Malindi, and the Director-General of Zambia Railways.

During the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed their intention to continue cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, and infrastructure, aiming to improve railway connectivity between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of the initiative for sustainable development and for strengthening regional integration.

The Joint Ministerial Committee highlighted progress in the project’s feasibility study and stressed the need to ensure the future railway line adheres to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic viability standards. The goal is to move the project forward in a responsible and efficient manner.

To speed up implementation, it was agreed to reinforce bilateral coordination mechanisms to ensure more effective oversight. Technical teams were instructed to assess the most suitable financing models for the project’s execution.

In this regard, the committee members committed to urgently convening financial experts to identify the best funding solution. The proposed railway line will stretch 430 kilometers, connecting Mosetse, Kazungula, and Livingstone.

This new infrastructure will be part of the North–South Transport Corridor, helping to ease pressure at border posts and energize regional trade. The cooperation between Botswana and Zambia is rooted in a strong historical and cultural relationship, now further strengthened by a shared vision for development.

Source: Botswana and Zambia Strengthen Railway Link to Accelerate Regional Integration (17/06/2025)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (31/07/2019) Zambia, Botswana to construct railway across Zambezi.

Government in another promise to fix Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway

AFTER numerous failed promises, the government has vowed to reconstruct the unnavigable Bulawayo – Victoria Falls highway, which has become a death trap for motorists.

Government has been making promises to address the road which has become difficult to navigate due to the potholes which have been a cause for many accidents.

Earlier this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, promised to address the road channel to the resort town with nothing tangible having materialised.

During the road rehabilitation programme which was carried out mid-year ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, the major highway among others in Matabeleland region, was left behind.

Responding to questions in the Senate Thursday, the Minister of Transport and lnfrastructure Development, Felix Mhona said government will address the road situation.

“I have traversed on most of the roads that he has mentioned. If you would relate, we were doing some sections, especially the Tsholotsho-Kezi road where we have done 5km which to me is inadequate given the length of the road.

‘We need to start from somewhere. Let me also acknowledge that in terms of road infrastructure, we have a road network close to 90 000km. Some areas were marginalised and I want to hasten to acknowledge that for years, our roads were neglected, not only the city roads but even rural roads.

“Some of our roads especially those going to places of our revolutionary icons, the roads were neglected. Alas, with the advent to the Second Republic, we have taken those roads on our radar,” said Mhona.

“Of great importance is the Victoria Falls road that the Senator has talked about, where we are going to start doing the road from Beitbridge to Bulawayo then to Victoria Falls.

“You will see us moving towards those roads and like the approach that we have agreed, not particularly doing 5km, but you will see us extending the works to quite a number of kilometres.”

Source: Government in another promise to fix Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway (11/09/24)

Haulage trucks eyesore on Victoria Falls streets

LONG queues of haulage trucks parked on either side of the road just after Masue Bridge is the first thing a visitor into Victoria Falls encounters.

The hearty welcome Victoria Falls is popular for could soon be overshadowed by the ugly sight of the haulage trucks if no immediate action is taken.

Motorists, including tour operators’ vehicles carrying clients, have to reduce speed when approaching the Victoria Falls Truck Stop turn-off as the road that stretches up to Mkhosana turn-off has literally become a narrow strip due to trucks parked on either side.

There are also scores of touts and hawkers making the place an accident zone and a health hazard. Sex workers roam freely at night.

Residents on the CBZ stands west of the Hwange-Victoria Falls Road have to endure the dust which has even become a permanent coat to the interior and exterior of homes.

The place is a hive of activity as hawkers sell water and soft drinks to truck drivers while others solicit for jobs such as doing laundry.

Evenings have their own tale as sex workers have found a hunting ground.

The truck stop which is run by Victoria Falls City Council in a partnership with some private investors, can accommodate between 80 and 100 trucks at any given time.

Many park outside and sometimes there are close to 100 trucks between Mkhosana turn-off and the steep slope towards Masue Bridge.

The city mayor, Councillor Somveli Dlamini, said efforts are being made to find alternative land for parking.

“Our truck stop is overwhelmed by the volume of trucks hence many park outside which is not lawful though. The council is trying to find alternative land, this was once discussed in council but there hasn’t been a resolution,” he said.

Cllr Dlamini could not say whether the city has by-laws to regulate parking of the trucks.

Questions sent to council management had not been responded to by the time of going to print.

The truck drivers will be waiting for clearance to cross the border to Zambia or Botswana.

Some spend up to a month waiting for their documents.

Each truck, whether inside the truck stop or outside, is charged US$15 park fees for the whole period the truck is parked.

Drivers make fire to prepare their meals on the road side, posing the danger of starting veld fires.

The stretch of the road was also a traditional wildlife corridor as animals trek to the gorges.

A long-distance truck driver, Mr Gift Kapamba from Zambia, said they are also affected by dust while parked in the area.

Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association chairperson Mr Kelvin Moyo said residents have complained about the presence of haulage trucks.

“We are equally worried about the issue as it is both a health hazard especially for residents who live on the windward side and accident zone. We have received complaints from residents on the CBZ stands and we feel this should be speedily attended to. The council should provide alternative land for all trucks or come up with by-laws that regulate the situation there,” said Mr Moyo.

“However, there is no justification for people to see this as a hunting ground for commercial sex which we have seen happening. Besides sexually transmitted diseases there is also a danger of the spread of Covid-19 and accidents.”

A similar scenario is found at the Victoria Falls border where trucks block the no-man’s land between the Victoria Falls Bridge and Zimbabwean border and the entrance into the Rainforest.

Tour operators have complained about the issue at various fora saying their clients sometimes have to duck the trucks when walking to the bridge or entering the Rainforest.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Matabeleland North chapter chairperson Mr Anald Musonza said while trucking business is a huge economic activity, it must be supported in a manner that allows other economic activities like tourism to survive.

“That issue needs urgent solution and trucks taken to designated parking sites. They have become a nuisance and blocking smooth movement of people in the city while also damaging roads. We are a tourism capital and the environment should be welcoming hence we need a more orderly parking process,” said Mr Musonza.

The presence of trucks negates the city’s drive towards a clean sustainable green tourism city.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda could not readily comment on the issue saying he had not been briefed on the situation on the ground.

Source:  Haulage trucks eyesore on Victoria Falls streets (02/09/2021)

Zambia shelves Victoria Falls Bridge decision

 Victoria Falls – The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has indefinitely shelved plans to force haulage trucks to use Kazungula Bridge by denying them access through Livingstone-Victoria Falls Border Post.

The ban was supposed to be effective March 1, 2021 and the justification given was the need to reduce the volume of heavy commercial traffic into the resorts of Livingstone and Victoria Falls towns.

Four countries – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe –meet at the Kazungula quadripoint. Botswana and Zambia recently opened a bridge at Kazungula to link the two countries, in a project that Zimbabwe declined to participate in.

A former vice-president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ozious Marange, said the ZRA’s rethink was welcome.

“We are very grateful that Zambia postponed the ban on the use of Victoria Falls Bridge by commercial trucks. They should let transporters freely choose which route to use instead of forcing them to use an expensive one,” he said.

He added that authorities should also consider a transit point at Batoka for transporters moving between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe, nearly 100 haulage trucks daily cross the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe over the Zambezi River. Most of these are 30-tonners carrying copper, coal, coke, cobalt, sulphur and other commodities to destinations that include Angola, Botswana, the DRC, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

However, tourism sector stakeholders support the proposal to induce transporters to transit through Kazungula as a means of reducing noise and air pollution in Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Source: Zambia shelves Kazungula Bridge decision (05/03/21)

Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now

Elation by tourism operators that congestion on the historic Victoria Falls Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe would be eased – following the banning of commercial long haul trucks – was short-lived.

This decision was overturned following multilateral engagements with the Zambian government and several freight and logistics associations representing the interests of commercial cargo transporters who lobbied to have the bridge remain open to them. 

There were also concerns raised that banning trucks from the bridge would put additional strain on the other border posts, especially Beitbridge.

According to a notice issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority, “the impending restriction of transporting exports and imports above 16 tons through Victoria Falls Border Post by rail only in line with Statutory Instruments No 115 of 2020 has been postponed to a date to be communicated”.

Had the announcement not been made, heavy-haul trucks travelling north or south would have been prevented from crossing the Vic Falls Bridge as of yesterday (March 1).

The decision to ban heavy cargo vehicles was made to boost Zambia’s coronavirus-affected travel industry in the world-famous and environmentally sensitive Mosi-oa-Tunya region.

MD of Victoria Falls-based Pure Africa, Elisabeth Curiger, told Tourism Update that the tourism operator understood that the Victoria Falls region was not only relevant for tourism but for other industries too, including trade and transport.

“That said, queues of trucks, congestion and additional traffic on either side of the border are most certainly not conducive for the tourism industry. We do hope that a long-term solution can be found between truckers and the authorities that strikes a balance among all stakeholders.”

Shearwater Victoria Falls Spokesperson, Clement Mkwasi, agreed, noting in an earlier statement to Tourism Update that the tourism industry had always lamented the defacing of the Victoria Falls aesthetics due to the noise and visual pollution caused by trucks in the resorts. “However, in the spirit of regional integration, free trade and free movement of goods should be promoted for the greater benefit of the two friendly neighbouring countries.”

Source: Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now (02/03/2021)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th February 2021) Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February 2021) Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks.

Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks

 ZAMBIA has banned the movement of outbound haulage trucks from using Livingstone-Victoria Falls border post saying the move is aimed at preserving the Victoria Falls Bridge and attracting tourists.

In a recent public notice, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) said the ban, which comes into effect on March 1, will see commercial trucks from Zimbabwe’s neighbouring country using Kazungula Bridge a move that might increase transportation cost for locals and adversely impact revenue collection by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

“This notice serves to inform all customs clearing agents and exporters wishing to export goods listed in the 7th Schedule to Statutory Instrument No.115 of 2020 that they should effect the exportation of their goods through the customs ports and aerodromes set out in the Eighth Schedule to the attached Statutory Instrument — (SI 115 of 2020).

“Further, note that goods for export through Victoria Falls Border Post shall only be transported by rail only effective 1st March, 2021,” reads part of the public notice.

It said the SI 115 of 2020 came into effect on 1st January this year.

“You are therefore advised to familiarise yourself with SI 115 of 2020 to avoid unnecessary delays at the borders.”

Speaking to ZBC News last week, ZRA corporate communications manager Mr Topsy Sikalinda said an SI and public notice had been issued to all stakeholders including exporters and those in the transport and logistics, and clearing sectors regarding the ban of commercial trucks from using the Livingstone-Victoria Falls route.

“We are doing this in order to preserve the bridge and apart from preserving the bridge, we also want to bring sanity in the city of Livingstone as you know Livingstone is a tourism capital.

“We have a lot of trucks that make a lot of noise and bring disorder, so we certainly need to bring sanity,” he said.

Economic analyst Mr Peter Mhaka said the ban on outbound commercial trucks from using the Livingstone-Victoria Falls border post by Zambia would reduce revenue collection by Zimra on the Zimbabwe side.

“Not only will the move taken by Zambia reduce revenue collection by Zimra, but this will add (the) costs of importing as using Kazungula border is relatively far compared to using Victoria Falls,” he said.

Zimbabwe and Zambia have cordial political and economic ties. Last year, President Mnangagwa toured the Kazungula Bridge, which links Zambia and Botswana to assess progress on the US$253 million infrastructure that is meant to enhance trade among Southern African countries.

Under the new dispensation, Zimbabwe joined the Kazungula Bridge project across the Zambezi River in phase two of works in 2019. The country joined Botswana and Zambia, and the three countries have agreed to set up a one-stop border post with offices in Zambia and Botswana sides. — ZBC News/Business Chronicle.

Source: Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks (08/02/21)

More: Vic Falls Border Still Open To Importers, Traders – Zambia Authorities (08/02/21)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd March 2021) Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th February 2021) Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban.

 

Construction of Kazungula bridge halts again

 Zambia has once more failed to pay the company constructing the Kazungula Bridge, a project that crosses the Zambezi River and borders Botswana and Zambia.

The contractor, Daewoo E&C has complained that despite numerous requests for money to complete the bridge, there has been no response.

The contractor fears that, given that Zambia has failed to pay back Eurobonds, chances of being paid are bleak

The construction has therefore been halted once more.

Source: No funding, Construction of Kazungula bridge halts again (09/12/20)

Kazungula Bridge boosts Bots tourism

 Harare - The opening of Kazungula Bridge will boost tourist arrivals into Botswana’s tourism mecca of Kasane, the country’s Tourism Minister Philda Kereng has said.

The bridge straddles the Zambezi River at Kazungula Crossing where Botswana and Zambia share a border, and also stretches over the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.

The 923m and US$259 million bridge is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that will ultimately connect the Port of Durban in South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Botswana’s Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism Minister Kereng said the bridge is expected to open to traffic this year.

The gateway to Chobe National Park, Kasane spreads out along the banks of the Chobe River where an array of hotels, guest houses and campsites can accommodate all the visitors to the world-renowned facility.

“This bridge has recently been handed over by the contractors, it is complete. It is a bridge that is quite a milestone for the economy of Botswana and for the tourism industry,” Minister Kereng said after touring the bridge last week.

“We appreciate this bridge very much especially at this point where we are diversifying tourism, Kasane becomes a much more diversified location or tourist destination. Also for tourists, when you go to London (England) for instance, you have the London Bridge and all these big rivers with nice bridges they are tourist attractions on their own so we are looking at this beautiful bridge and saying it is going to interest our tourists after seeing the animals there is also something else they can see. It will be able to enhance the face of Kasane.”

Minister Kereng went on: “We are also informed that this bridge is well blended into the ecosystem, the environment of Chobe. There is a railway line that has been incorporated into the bridge, and the interesting part is that this bridge has incorporated features that are friendly to the environment, we hear that there is a breeding place for hippos near the bridge and the rubber that has been used around the railway is going to absorb all the sound that would otherwise disturb the animals.”

Botswana recently allowed the resumption of chartered flights into the country's prime tourist destinations, in an attempt to boost the tourism sector which has lost hundreds of millions of dollars since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chartered flights are being allowed to land at two airports in Maun and Kasane, both in the vicinity of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest wetlands.

Tourism contributes around 13 percent to the So/uthern African country’s GDP./

Source: Kazungula Bridge boosts Bots tourism (28/11/20)

Two cargo trucks sink in Zambezi

 Kazungula police are investigating two rare and bizarre accidents in which two trucks sank into the Zambezi River as they attempted to board the Kazungula ferry on Saturday and Monday respectively.

According to Kazungula Police Station Commander Superintendent Paul Chaluza, in the first incident on Saturday, a truck carrying building material from South Africa to Zambia slid off the pontoon and fell into the Zambezi River.

“The surface is sloping and slippery, and from what we’ve learnt, the truck never made it fully onto the ferry before it slid into the river.

Fortunately, the drivers managed to quickly jump out of the cabin and onto the ferry before the trucks were fully submerged,” said Chaluza.

The Station Commander further revealed that no one was hurt in the accident.

“The truck was also successfully pulled out of the river the same day,” he said.

However, just two days later on Monday afternoon, another truck hauling salt from South Africa to Zambia suffered the same fate, as the trailer head slid-off the pontoon into the river, carrying with it tons of salt.

“Just like in the Saturday incident, the driver managed to escape unharmed,” Chaluza told The Voice.

He further said the cause of the accident is not conclusive and their investigations continue.

“We can’t say accidents were due to human error, the cause could be mechanical, and as I told you, the area is sloping and slippery. We can only be certain after the completion of our investigations,” he said.

The costs of the damage are yet to be compounded, but it is estimated to run into millions of Pula.

The Kazungula top cop however said the incidents of sinking tricks are rare in his jurisdiction.

“These are isolated incidents. It does happen but not in quick succession like we experienced this week,” he said.

Estimated to have started operating in Botswana in the mid-60s, the pontoon’s days as a reliable mode of transport are numbered with the new impressive Kazungula Bridge due to open for business on 1st of December.

Source: Two cargo trucks sink in Zambezi (17/11/20)