09/01/2026
The University of Zambia (UNZA) School
of Engineering has reached a significant
milestone in infrastructure research and
training following the official opening o f
the Bridge Maintenance and Management
Centre. The facility was officially
inaugurated by Professor Albert Malama,
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry o f
Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban
Development (MIHUD).
This development is the result of a
strategic international collaboration
between the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Gifu
University in Japan. The partnership aims
to address the critical need for sustainable
infrastructure management in Zambia by
providing students and faculty with world-
class technical resources.
The opening ceremony featured key
representatives from the partnering
institutions who have been instrumental i n
bringing this project t o life:
Professor Mundia Muya: Vice Chancellor,
University of Zambia.
Professor Ackim Zulu: Dean, School of
Engineering, UNZA.
Dr. Tomoko Ono: Chief Representative,
JICA Zambia Office.
Dr. Koji Kinosh*ta: Chief o f Project and
Professor at Gifu University, Japan, who
specializes in bridge fatigue and seismic
performance.
Dr. Charles Kahanji: Head of Department,
Civil and environmental engineering
department UNZA and a key coordinator
for the center's technical activities.
Inside the Centre: Cutting-Edge Technology
The facility is equipped with high-tech
tools that bridge the gap between
traditional civil engineering and modern
digital solutions. The donated equipment
is designed for Structural Health
Monitoring (SHM) and includes:
Inbuilt Al Tools: The centre utilizes
Artificial Intelligence to analyze structural
data. These algorithms can automatically
detect patterns of wear and tear, predicting
potential failures long before they are
visible to the human eye.
Heat Sensing (Thermal) Camera: This
camera allow researchers to "see" through
surfaces. By detecting temperature
variations, students can identify hidden
moisture, voids in concrete, or insulation
defects in bridge components.
Integrated Tablet Learning: Students will
use specialized tablets to collect real-time
data, which syncs directly with the centre's
management systems for immediate
analysis.
The Bridge Maintenance and Management
Centre is not just a laboratory; it is a
collaborative ecosystem designed for:
Undergraduate Students: Providing hands-
on experience with the exact tools used by
international engineering firms, ensuring
graduates are "industry-ready."
Postgraduate Researchers: Offering a data-
rich environment for Master's and PhD
students to conduct advanced studies in
infrastructure longevity and smart
materials.
Stakeholder Training: The centre will serve
as a training ground for government
engineers, private contractors, and
regional partners, positioning UNZA as a
leader in bridge management across
Southern Africa.
As Zambia's infrastructure ages, the ability
to maintain bridges cost-effectively is vital.
By using Al and thermal imaging, the
School of Engineering is training a new
generation of engineers to move from
"reactive" repairs to "proactive"
management and ensuring public safety.
