Last month 10 volunteers; five from Grimshaw and five from Thornton Tomasetti, travelled to Rwanda to commence work on the Coko Bridge project in association with the charity organisation Bridges to Prosperity.

The volunteers worked closely with people from the Nyaraguru district to construct a 38m suspended footbridge across the river Akanyaru. Sited well above the high-water mark, the bridge replaces the dangerous temporary timber footbridge that was impassable during the two month rainy season.

The new bridge is a lifeline that connects a community of approximately 1,500 people to vital amenities that are only available on the far side of the river. This includes regional markets for farmers to sell their produce, schools and education for the local children, and clinics and healthcare facilities for pregnant mothers and the sick.

Construction of the bridge used locally sourced materials such as rocks from a nearby quarry. Now that it’s complete, the bridge will be owned, maintained and managed by a trained team from the community that depends on it.

Grimshaw would like to extend our thanks to everyone that sponsored the project, enabling the creation of a life-changing amenity for so many people.

Special thanks to Skanska, Land Use Consultants, Momentum Transport Planning, ABC Imaging, Dolphin Dispensers, and Corporate Traveller.