The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has expressed concern over the collapsing of billboards around the country in the recent past and called for the pulling down of all over-sized billboards beyond nine (9) square meters to address public safety concerns.
EIZ President Eng. Abel Ng’andu said although the institution has not instituted an independent investigations in any of the reported incidences, it has taken note of some of the mitigating measures instituted by civic leaders in Lusaka city, which include suspension of issuance of permits for cantilevers, as contained in the Lusaka City Council media statement dated 20 November 2021.
Speaking during a press briefing held at EIZ Secretariat attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Ng’andu said the institution has therefore recommended the suspension of the mounting of any billboard beyond the size of 9m2 until a thorough consultative process is carried out and concluded to address public safety.
The EIZ President further said all billboards with a display area beyond nine square meters (9m2) should be pulled down and that it should be ensured that all LED/Digital-lit billboards meet the luminance standards and values or be pulled down too.
Ng’andu also recommended that only engineering professionals with valid practicing licenses are engaged to design and construct billboards, as this will ensure high level of engineering integrity in the installations across the country.
In early November 2021, two people sustained serious injuries after a giant billboard collapsed on them along the Great East Road, Munali flyover bridge and round about in the capital city of Lusaka. The incident happened after a heavy downpour of rains. The two injured people were rushed to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
Another incident in Zambia’s second largest city Kitwe involved the collapse of a giant billboard. Seven mobile money agents in Kitwe on the Copperbelt escaped unhurt after a giant billboard collapsed on their booths following strong winds.
No comprehensive inspection has yet been done across the country, meaning that this risk remains largely unmitigated for the giant billboards that are already constructed and standing.
