Modern Bridge transforms farming and livelihoods in Musanze and Shingiro
Farmers in Musanze and Shyingiro sectors, Musanze District renowned for cultivating potatoes, pyrethrum, and maize express optimism about a promising harvest, thanks to a newly constructed bridge that will simplify access to their fields for fertilizing and weeding.
Anonciata Mukamwiza, a resident of Kivumu Cell, highlighted the bridge’s significance:
“Previously, farmers from Shingiro crossing over to cultivate in Musanze or vice versa faced challenges due to poor pathways. Fertilizing fields was difficult, and weeding became nearly impossible during the rainy season. Now, with this bridge, accessing fields is seamless at any time, enabling us to add fertilizers or weed efficiently, which significantly boosts crop yields.”
Before the bridge, farmers often faced logistical challenges that disrupted their work. Some spent entire days in the fields without food because those delivering meals were deterred by the treacherous path.
Elizabeth Mukahirwa shared her experience:
“The old bridge was so narrow and dangerous that it wasn’t accessible to everyone. Getting food delivered to the fields was nearly impossible, forcing many of us to work on empty stomachs. This reduced productivity as we had to leave early to recover, wasting valuable farming hours. The new bridge has transformed our daily work and farming activities—we’re seeing visible improvements.”
The difficulties extended to harvest time, where rain often thwarted their efforts. Crops left behind in the fields sometimes became easy targets for thieves.
Ellie Nsababera explained:
“The previous wooden bridge, made of four planks, was unsafe, especially during rainy weather when it became slippery. Often, rain would catch us during harvest, and carrying the crops home became impossible. We’d leave behind what we couldn’t carry, and thieves would take advantage of the situation.”
Clarisse Uwanyirigira, Musanze District Vice Mayor of Economic Development, emphasized the bridge’s far-reaching benefits:
“This bridge solves a multitude of problems. The old, narrow bridge posed safety risks for both adults and children. The new one ensures safe crossings, increases agricultural productivity, and improves trade and interactions between Musanze and Shyingiro sectors. Farmers and buyers can now move freely to access produce, which was previously a major challenge.”
Diane Ntaganzwa, a representative from Bridges to Prosperity (BtP), the organization that built the bridge, explained the rationale behind their work:
“Our mission is to create a world where no one is limited by the lack of access to essential places. We aim to eliminate barriers caused by rivers that isolate communities or put lives at risk. By building bridges like this one, we empower people to seek better livelihoods. This project was a collaboration with the government to achieve this shared vision.”
The bridge, constructed using volcanic rock and cement, cost RWF 62 million and is expected to bring lasting improvements to agriculture, commerce, and connectivity for residents of Musanze and Shingiro.
