WSP is a progressive employer that gives back to communities across the world.
In collaboration with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), WSP is sending 10 representatives to Gicumbi in Rwanda to provide volunteer design and construction services to establish a trail bridge.
A rewarding experience
WSP Bridges and Civil Structures Engineer, Hanna Davidson [pictured above], says: "B2P will be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. In particular, working with a team from all over the world and the local community to build something that will have an immediately tangible impact."
Providing volunteer design and construction services
WSP serves as an industry partner for B2P, providing volunteer design and construction services to establish rural last-mile connections via trail bridges. Since 2010, the company has participated in twelve bridge builds worldwide.
While B2P has been working in many isolated communities around the world, with the support of the Rwandan National Government for a major grant and broad political support, B2P is embarking on a five-year program to complete 321 trail bridges, essentially eliminating rural isolation in that small country.
As a B2P industry partner, WSP is supporting B2P in this monumental effort by sending two teams to Rwanda in 2023. With B2P leadership and local community teams working on construction starting months ahead of our arrival, each WSP team of 10 volunteers will arrive at their designated project site for the last two weeks of construction and the opening of the bridge. Each team includes a project manager, construction manager, safety manager, logistics coordinator and a communications manager with video and photography experience.
WSP representatives from seven countries supporting a cause
The Rugabano River is synonymous with missed opportunity. During the rainy season, life can be cruel to the local communities who rely on crossing the river to reach an array of critical resources such as healthcare and markets.
The river remains flooded and poses great danger to anyone who may attempt crossing it. The people in the communities have some of their businesses and work disrupted as they wait for the water levels to recede so that they can cross. In addition, children can't attend school, located on the other side of the river.
The Ruhondo trail bridge will provide safe, year-round access for the Karambi and Gahororo/Gitabura communities, providing access to opportunity to empower the communities out of poverty.
A 10-member global project team will complete the project in Gicumbi, with WSP representatives from seven countries.
WSP and Bridges to Prosperity have generously donated a significant amount of resources s to make this project possible, however, WSP called for extra help getting its team to Rwanda and pulling together some basic materials and resources for the build.
It created a fundraiser here.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.