Floating bridges criticised as president stresses delivery

Patience Makwele Zambezi-based development analyst, Lipuwo Kathrine Nyambe, says floating bridges are not a long-term solution to recurring floods in the region. The Zambezi and Ohangwena regions continue to deal with the effects of recent floods. Water levels at Katima Mulilo reached about 6.7 metres, leading to flooding in low-lying areas.

At the peak, some villages and schools were only accessible by boat. “Floating bridges are a practical emergency response, but they are not a long-term solution. Flooding in this region is seasonal and predictable, which means there should be more investment in permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure such as raised roads and durable bridges.

People cannot be setting up floating bridges and unsettling them; a one-time solution is needed.” Nyambe said the current approach focuses on response rather than prevention. “What we are seeing is a system that responds when disaster strikes but does not sufficiently reduce the risk beforehand.