Bridging the Gap Africa focuses on building life-saving footbridges in Kenya, with primary operations in the Western and Southwestern regions of the country. These areas are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding and landslides, which frequently cut off rural communities from essential services.
The Process
1. Community Involvement:
The foundation of every bridge project begins with the community. At Bridging the Gap Africa, we believe that the people who benefit from our bridges should have an active role in their creation. Bridge requests are initiated directly by community members who identify the critical need for a safe crossing. These communities form bridge committees, representing both sides of the river, to collaborate with us throughout the entire process.
3. Community Participation:
The construction phase is a collaborative effort between Bridging the Gap Africa’s engineers and the local community. We hire local laborers to work alongside our team, providing valuable employment opportunities and skills training. This hands-on involvement deepens the community’s connection to the project and builds local capacity for future maintenance.
2. Design and Build:
Once a bridge request is approved, our team of skilled engineers, in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee, begins the design phase. We prioritize sustainable design, ensuring that each bridge is not only durable and safe but also tailored to the unique environmental and geographical conditions of the region.
4. Celebration and Empowerment:
When the bridge is complete, the entire community comes together to celebrate this significant achievement. The bridge handover ceremony is a vibrant event marked by speeches, singing, food, and gifts. The handover marks the beginning of a new chapter for the community, where improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can flourish.
