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NSBA-led team of volunteers helps build a life-saving steel bridge in Rwanda

The new Nyagashanga Suspension Bridge (on the right), next to the old river crossing it replaced

Almost a quarter of a billion people around the world can't safely access critical resources like healthcare, education, or employment due to an impassable river. For thousands of them living in rural southern Rwanda, a brand-new steel footbridge is already changing lives and creating opportunities.

In May, 11 industry volunteers led by the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) partnered with local crews to construct an 85-meter footbridge near Muhanga, Rwanda. This effort is in partnership with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), an initiative to build footbridges that help rural communities overcome isolation and, in turn, poverty.

Every year during the rainy season, at least one person drowned crossing the Rurumanza River between the Rwandan districts of Ruhango and Muhanga. The old crossing, a low wooden footbridge that often washed away, was not safe enough to ensure that all of the 2,400 Rwandans crossing daily--including 1,500 students who attend a nearby school--would make it home during this part of the year.

Prior to the arrival of the NSBA-led team of volunteers, local crews spent three months preparing the site and completing the substructure for the new suspension bridge. Aided by only hand tools and bridge construction knowledge, the volunteers arrived onsite to help erect the piers and span. In less than two weeks, people were already able to cross the new bridge.

The Nyagashanga Suspension Bridge will allow children to more easily attend school, give residents of all ages easier access to healthcare and markets, and open the doors to economic opportunity for all who live in the region.

Learn more about NSBA's proud involvement with B2P--including videos of past builds--at aisc.org/b2p. (If you’re part of the steel bridge industry and want to learn more about joining our next build in Rwanda, please contact NSBA Senior Director of Bridge Initiatives Jeff Carlson at carlson@aisc.org.)