Before this suspension bridge, life in the community was often disrupted during the rainy season. When the Musogoro River flooded, school attendance dropped, the local economy slowed, and access to markets and health centres was cut off. The new crossing now provides safe, reliable passage year‑round.
True to WSP’s core, the project was brought to life through global teamwork and collaboration. Our experts from across the world conceived a robust design that could be built efficiently and maintained long-term by the community in partnership with Fika.
“This project had challenges from the beginning,” said Eduardas Visockas, Design Lead and Project Manager at WSP Sweden. “In Rwanda, less machinery is available, so people rely on their own hands and strength. Our team adapted, showing how courageous and capable they are.”
“Working with the community was a surreal experience,” added Izzy Cattermole, Graduate Bridge Engineer from WSP New Zealand. “I never imagined my job would take me here. It has been incredible.”
In addition to the Nyakabungo Trail Bridge, WSP assisted in the completion of two other crossings in Rwanda: the Musange Trail Bridge and the Rwamabega Suspended Bridge, both in the countries Gakenke District.
These projects continue a 17-year partnership between WSP and Fika. Since 2010, volunteer teams of WSP experts have travelled the world to help build suspension bridges that provide safe, reliable access to essential services for remote communities – and create a lasting impact on tens of thousands of lives.
Learn more about our partnership with Fika.
About WSP
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 75,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. Together they pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors. WSP is publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:WSP).
About Fika
Fika partners with governments, local communities, and global institutions to implement proven infrastructure solutions, such as trail bridges, and to advocate for rural mobility as a policy and investment priority. Our model combines local capacity-building, community ownership, evidence-based planning, and long-term systems change to ensure lasting impact.
