Rutsiro District has announced that it has so far rebuilt 10 out of the 28 bridges destroyed by floods and landslides in 2023, at a cost of 882 million Rwandan francs. District leaders expressed optimism that within the next two years, all damaged bridges will be restored.
Located along Lake Kivu, Rutsiro has many valleys and bridges, which were severely affected by the heavy rains of 2023. Rainfall recorded in Mushubati Sector was the highest ever measured in Rwanda since monitoring began, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure.
To address the damage, the district launched disaster-prevention measures such as expanding terraced land, relocating residents from high-risk zones, and building water drainage channels. At the same time, funds were mobilized to replace washed-away bridges.
Vice Mayor for Economic Development, Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, confirmed that small community-built crossings have been restored, and 10 major bridges reconstructed. He noted that seven more will be completed by June 2026, leaving only 11 pending.
Among the key restored projects is the Barahoga Bridge in Mukura Sector, which had cut off trade between Rutsiro and Karongi districts. Local residents, like Nsabimana Donat, welcomed the reconstruction, noting it has revived transport of crops, charcoal, timber, and school supplies
