- “The sudden slopes change on the deck of the ramp will eventually affect the integrity of the bridge. The EIZ, therefore recommends that the bridge be demolished, and a new redesigned road section be constructed,”
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Alick Nkhata Flyover Bridge in Lusaka should be demolished because its design will lead to frequent accidents among other pitfalls, the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has recommended.
EIZ Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Linus Chanda, recommended that the bridge be demolished, and a redesigned road section be constructed.
Mr Chanda said the steep slopes of the bridge could lead to frequent accidents while the safety of pedestrians was not addressed.
He said EIZ had reviewed the design and construction of the bridge after an engagement with all stakeholders on the project.
Mr Chanda said EIZ concluded that the space at the fly over bridge was not sufficient to meet a well-designed structure, which met standard specifications.
“The assessments done prior to undertaking the project do not justify the construction of the Flyover Bridge. The steep slopes of the bridge would lead to frequent accidents.
“The sudden slopes change on the deck of the ramp will eventually affect the integrity of the bridge. The EIZ, therefore recommends that the bridge be demolished, and a new redesigned road section be constructed,” Mr Chanda said.
He indicated that EIZ had received complaints from the general public and Government officials over the bridge about safety, appropriateness and comfort.
Last month, an engineering consultant, Francis Mukuka, said the Alick Nkhata flyover was a scandal, a death trap and must be removed.
Another engineering consultant, Vitalis Mooya, said contractors should avoid using short cuts in their works because they risked constructing dangerous structures such as the Alick Nkhata Flyover Bridge in Lusaka.
Mr Mooya, a civil engineer with a bias towards construction said what was happening along Alick Nkhata was a scandal.
“Engineering Institute of Zambia has already condemned that bridge. All these roads, bridges there are specifications and standards to follow. If you do not do that, then you experience what you are talking about (demolishing),” Mr Mooya said.
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