"This is a death trap to the people around these areas. It's a pity we have officials who failed to maintain it properly" says a local resident. The Linda-Libuyu suspension footbridge joins two of Livingstone's poorest communities. Built in 2010 it has had no maintenance in10 years. Our short survey in January 2025 shocked us - we counted 3,000+ crossings each day! Schoolchildren are especially at risk and they accounted for 1,000+ crossings. We want to make urgent repairs to keep people safe
From experiences related to our young people managing the survey, we heard of many accidents involving children and the elderly. Injuries were common and deaths also occurred. Parents are especially worried about their children using the footbridge. Other tragedies like these are on the cards as the loose and rotten planks shift when walked on. The river rises quickly, sometimes submerging the bridge and the strong current has been known to carry people away. Crocodiles are seen in the river.
There is an urgent need to replace the rotten and missing planks and the wire mesh protection along the sides. To find a more sustainable solution, our remedy is to use planks made out of recycled plastic so that they will not rot in the future. Youth whom we include in our programmes, are both capable and willing to provide labor. They would work with engineers from the council. Work would be undertaken when schools are closed for holidays causing minimal disruption to the two communities.
A strong safe footbridge reduces travel time between outlying communities and Livingstone city centre; will increase school attendance rates; ensure regular visits to health facilities especially for women and children; and improve access to markets for home produce and work for artisans and tradespeople. Viewing and walking across a safe and secure suspension footbridge, would provide a unique experience and an added tourism attraction for our new "Getting to Know Linda" tour.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
