Gakenke District Celebrates the Inauguration of Ngayake Bridge: A New Era of Connectivity

On December 5th, 2025, Gakenke District celebrated the inauguration of the Ngayake Suspension Bridge, which connects the sectors of Ruli and Muhondo. This bridge, developed through a partnership between Gakenke District and Bridge to Prosperity, is anticipated to significantly enhance movement and trade between the villages of Ruli and Rwankuba.

Local residents view the bridge as a transformative solution to the mobility challenges they have faced for years, particularly when navigating dangerous rivers or accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets.

Veneranda Uwidutije, a resident of Ruli, expressed her relief, stating, “Life has become easier. I had to take my child to the health center twice last month, and I used to cross a risky river. Now, this bridge gives us safety and access.”

Trader Onesme Turikumana from Rwankuba added, “I used to sell my goods across the river, but it took me almost two hours to get there. With this bridge, I will expand my business, and customers can now reach me more easily.”

Fifty-four-year-old mother Emeriene Nyiraboheri voiced her gratitude, saying, “We used to feel forgotten, but now we have hope. We are committed to maintaining this bridge because it’s already making a big difference.”

Aime François Niyonsenga, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Gakenke District, highlighted key details about the newly inaugurated Ngayake Suspension Bridge.

He explained that the bridge was completed at a cost of 98,318,913 Rwandan Francs, with Gakenke District contributing 39,327,565 Frw and the development partner, Bridge to Prosperity covering 58,991,348 Frw.

He emphasized the bridge’s role in improving local trade and access to services, urging residents to make the most of the opportunity by increasing agricultural production. He also called on the community to protect the bridge by avoiding overloading beyond the designed weight, preventing acts of vandalism or theft of metal components and reporting any early signs of damage to allow timely repairs, as trained personnel are available for maintenance.

Mugabowagahunde Maurice, the Governor of the Northern Province, recently emphasized that improving infrastructure is a government priority. In a media briefing on November 28th, 2025, he stated, “In Gakenke District alone, we need about 200 bridges. We’re including this in our 2026/2027 planning to ensure these essential projects are prioritized. We’re working with existing partners and seeking more.”

He urged citizens to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure it is well-maintained, stating, “These bridges belong to the people. They bring schools, hospitals, and markets closer. It’s up to communities to protect them.”

While challenges in infrastructure connectivity remain for remote sectors in the Northern Province, the government is committed to ensuring that no citizen will be left behind due to poor roads or unsafe river crossings.

The Ngayake Bridge exemplifies how collaboration between government and non-profit organizations can create a lasting impact on rural communities, transforming livelihoods and opening opportunities for inclusive development.

By Libos Ndayishimiye