Kamonyi: Kinyaruka Bridge Revives Connectivity After 7 Years of Isolation

After seven years of disrupted movement of people between residents of Karama and Kayumbu sectors in Kamonyi District due to the collapse of the bridge connecting them, locals now celebrate its durable reconstruction, which has put an end to numerous challenges they faced.

The bridge was destroyed by floods in 2017, reconstruction began in 2023, and it was completed a year later, at the end of 2024. During those seven years, residents of both sectors struggled with mobility, and some even lost their lives trying to cross the Kayumbu River.

Musengimana Balthazar, a resident of Bunyonga Cell in Karama Sector, said: “Before the bridge was rebuilt, we faced major challenges. We couldn’t access the Manyana livestock market in Kayumbu Sector. It’s a major market for both small and large livestock. When we planned to take animals there and it rained, all plans would collapse because the Kayumbu River would flood and the old bridge had collapsed.”

“If a patient from Kayumbu Health Center needed to be transferred to Remera-Rukoma Hospital, the ambulance had to take a long detour via Musambira. By the time the patient arrived, they were often in critical condition. Now that the bridge is rebuilt, trade flows smoothly, and vehicles pass without any issues.”

Harorimana Jean Bosco recalled that before the bridge was reconstructed, people relied on porters to carry them across the river. Those who couldn’t afford the fee had no option but to spend the night. Even brides were sometimes carried across the river on people’s shoulders.

**Harorimana Jean Bosco, a resident of Bunyonga Cell, Karama Sector**

He explained that motorcycles couldn’t cross the bridge, whether entering or exiting either sector. Anyone who wanted their motorcycle carried across had to pay Rwf 1,000 to strong men who would lift it.

He added that the Kayumbu River claimed the lives of several people, including neighbors and travelers from other areas: “We lost one of our own, Niyonsenga, who was swept away by the river. A woman carrying a baby was also taken. A motorcycle rider was swept away, which led to the decision to ban river crossing during floods. Once we raised our concerns and showed the risks we were facing, the authorities listened and decided to build this bridge. We’re now very happy—everyone from worshippers, marketgoers, and students can cross freely.”

Faustin Minani, 42, said the bridge is so valuable to the community that residents have taken it upon themselves to protect it from damage.

Beyond solving earlier problems, the reconstruction of Kinyaruka Bridge transformed the lives of nearby residents. Many were employed during its construction, enabling some to buy land, livestock, or pay for health insurance.

“I personally bought a plot of land worth Rwf 900,000 from the money I earned while working on the bridge,” Minani said.

According to Kamonyi District authorities, the Kinyaruka Bridge cost over Rwf 700 million.

Kamonyi District Mayor, Dr. Sylvere Nahayo, confirmed that this bridge is one of the most impactful infrastructure projects in the area: “This road facilitating trade is a major achievement. Previously, transporting patients from Kayumbu Health Center to Remera-Rukoma Hospital was a serious issue. Now it’s much easier.”

“Crossing the Kinyaruka Bridge was once extremely difficult because it had collapsed. Now it is functional and one of the reasons we prioritized developing this road, which connects to the health center.”