Buro Happold and Gensler: Kanyarusanga Community Bridge Build 2023

Nearly a billion people worldwide lack access to the basic infrastructure that would allow them to reach essential resources including healthcare, food and water, schooling, and economic opportunity. Bridges to Prosperity seeks to create transformational change and resilience in communities by providing last mile connectivity to combat rural isolation. Stable infrastructure, specifically trail bridges, can increase access to education for children by 12%, access to employment for women by 18% and access to healthcare by 24%. Learn more about the impact of their work here: bridgestoprosperity.org/why-bridges/impact Buro Happold and Gensler frequently partner to deliver projects for our clients around the world, and now we are collaborating with Bridges to Prosperity to build the Kanyarusanga bridge spanning the Gisuma river in the Western Province of Rwanda. The river floods during the rainy season, posing a great danger to anyone who may attempt to cross it. During this period, children are unable to attend school, and members of the community are cut off from the health centre and markets. On the 28th of April, 5 team members from Buro Happold, and 5 from Gensler will be flying to Kigali International Airport, Rwanda. They will then make their way West to the site where they will work closely with the community to construct the 72m suspension bridge over approximately 2 weeks. The bridge will be built using locally sourced and donated materials, providing an environmentally responsible and sustainable solution. At the end of the construction project, local people from the Rubanza-Gatatu community will be trained in the inspection and maintenance of the structure, allowing the bridge to support the population for generations to come. Buro Happold and Gensler are proud and grateful to be partnering with Bridges to Prosperity on this amazing initiative, and we welcome any and all support. Stay tuned for further updates from the team!