How WSP is Building Bridges Across the World

As a global leader in professional services, WSP leverages integrated engineering and scientific expertise to foster resilient communities. 

Its 75,000-strong team of "Visioneers" operates in over 50 countries, delivering innovative solutions across the infrastructure, energy and environmental sectors. WSP combine a vast global reach with deep local insights to drive human progress.

At the end of 2025, WSP had 30 of its Transport and Infrastructure experts travel to Rwanda with Fika, a US-based non-profit previously known as Bridges to Prosperity, to help construct bridges that will transform daily life for thousands.

Local impact through global collaboration

Fika partners with governments, local communities and global institutions to implement proven infrastructure solutions, such as trail bridges, and to advocate for rural mobility as a policy and investment priority.

Its model combines local capacity-building, community ownership, evidence-based planning and long-term systems change to ensure lasting impact.

The efforts saw 11 of its experts work on the Nyakabungo Trail Bridge, which was inaugurated in Karongi on 23 December, after weeks of collaboration between WSP, Fika and the local community.

The new crossing serves roughly 3,400 residents, spanning the oft-flooded Musogoro River.

“It’s a very meaningful project,” says Anand Chatter, Bridge Engineer from WSP India.

“It rained while we were on-site, and we saw the river rise drastically. People were crossing using rocks, even children, which is not safe at all. We spent every minute here working for a brighter future for this community. This bridge will really help.”

Measuring success beyond engineering

The completion of this suspension bridge has eliminated the seasonal disruptions caused by the Musogoro River. Previously, flooding hindered education, stifled the local economy and severed access to essential services; today, the community enjoys reliable, year-round passage.

True to WSP’s collaborative spirit, its global team engineered a design optimised for both efficient construction and long-term community-led maintenance in partnership with Fika.

“This project had challenges from the beginning,” adds Eduardas Visockas, Design Lead and Project Manager at WSP Sweden.

“In Rwanda, less machinery is available, so people rely on their own hands and strength. Our team adapted, showing how courageous and capable they are.”

A long-standing commitment to global mobility

As well as the Nyakabungo Trail Bridge work, WSP assisted in the completion of two other crossings in Rwanda: the Musange Trail Bridge and the Rwamabega Suspended Bridge, both in the country's Gakenke District.

These projects continue a 17-year partnership between WSP and Fika. Since 2010, volunteer teams of WSP experts have travelled the world to help build suspension bridges that provide safe, reliable access to essential services for remote communities – and create a lasting impact on tens of thousands of lives.

Eric Peissel, Global Director, Transport & Infrastructure at WSP, adds: “Our partnership with Fika is a powerful example of what we can achieve when technical expertise is applied with purpose.

"By working hand in hand with local communities, we’re helping build brighter futures and break down barriers. Fika's bridge projects have led to significant increases in income, high school attendance, and access to health care.”