Cowi: Providing Safe Access for Rwanda in 2020

Nearly a billion people worldwide lack access to basic infrastructure – infrastructure that would allow access to resources such as healthcare, food and water, and economic opportunity. Stable infrastructure, specifically footbridges, can increase access to education for children by 12%, access to employment for women by 18% and access to healthcare can increase by 24%. COWI sees a great opportunity to use our engineering and construction skills to advance Bridges to Prosperity's mission. COWI and Bridges to Prosperity have generously donated a significant amount of resources to make this project possible, however, we still need help getting our team to Rwanda and pulling together some basic materials and resources for the build. At the end of February, a team from COWI UK will be heading out to Rwanda to contribute in the build of a new suspension bridge serving the community of Rweru. During the rainy season, the Mwogo river floods frequently, cutting of many local residents from important resources such as school, healthcare, and the marketplace. It becomes very dangerous to attempt to cross, with eight deaths in the last three years from these attempts. The Rweru Suspension Bridge will provide safe, year-round access for the surrounding communities, providing enhanced access to the opportunity to help empower these communities out of poverty. The COWI team consists of Adam, Jon, Kai, Ryan, and Sam. We are all very enthusiastic about experiencing the culture in rural Rwanda, whilst helping to use our engineering knowledge to help the local community. Any donations will be greatly appreciated, and excess funds raised will be utilized to support Bridges to Prosperity’s general operations. Thank you for your support.