In a joyous ceremony on June 5^th, Bridges to Prosperity – in partnership with Dar and its sister Sidara companies TYLin and Introba – revealed and inaugurated the Kajeje Trail Bridge, a 45-metre suspended bridge over the Bukaba River in the Muhanga District.

Constructed within just two weeks, this bridge stands as a powerful symbol of partnership, resilience, and shared commitment, safely connecting more than 4,000 residents in the Kajeje, Mbirizi, Mataba, and Cyanika villages.

The Bukaba River, known for its seasonal flooding and rapid rainfall runoff, had previously posed a dangerous barrier: preventing children from attending school, farmers from reaching markets, and families from accessing essential services. Now, the Kajeje Trail Bridge will bring these community members a safe passage along with a renewed sense of hope and opportunity.

Commenting on the inauguration, Dar’s Partner and Director of Operations for Rwanda Elie Kharrat said, “this bridge will link people to various services and will enable the residents to perform their usual business with no worries to cross the river whatsoever, regardless of the time or season. There is not one day in Rwanda that passes without a lesson learned in courage, determination, humility, and boldness.”

This achievement was made possible through a remarkable collaboration between Dar and our Sidara colleagues at TYLin and Introba, and Bridges to Prosperity (B2P). Our dedicated team of volunteers –including Construction Lead Ahmed Salah El Din; Safety Lead Karim Harb; Communications Lead Lea Issa; and Community Engagement Lead, Nadya Wigglesworth – worked hand-in-hand with local community members, local officials, and B2P engineers to deliver this transformative bridge, which has already been hailed as a ‘life-changing’ opportunity, by members of the community.

The volunteers’ efforts went beyond the construction of a bridge as they engaged with local children at Ecole Primaire Burasira to inspire future generations of engineers and leaders. Many of the students at the school could not previously attend school during rainy seasons, for fear of crossing the river.

Ten community members also received training in bridge maintenance, further empowering them to take ownership of the bridge and sustain it for years to come.

This bridge embodies our belief in the power of infrastructure to transform lives, for it stands not only as a physical connection but also as a bridge to opportunity, education, and a better future for the community at large.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rwandan government, the Muhanga District administration, the Bridges to Prosperity organisation, the local communities, and every volunteer and partner who contributed to this incredible achievement.

This bridge reflects the impact of inclusive collaboration and local engagement, and Dar is proud to have taken part in its realisation. By linking communities safely and sustainably, it now functions as a vital element for a resilient and more connected future, fostering social and economic development for communities across the region.