The aim of the Daraja project is to build a permanent bridge to replace the existing wooden one, which is not easy to cross for pregnant women, older members of the community, young children, the sick and people with disabilities.

Building a new bridge is vital as it will reinforce a link between Mkunduge and its two neighbouring districts, Mukambusho and Tandale, shorten the distance to some of the local amenities, schools and central business district. The material used to build the new bridge, will be strong enough to transport small vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles and bajaj, which are the most affordable means of transportation for this population.

The second part of the bridge project is build up the riverbanks with brick or concrete walls, to prevent the water from flooding into people’s homes and destroying property during the rainy season.  By eliminating some of the dampness caused by the rains, we hope to also contribute to the eradication of diseases.

The bridge project will directly benefit two of our other planned projects, namely the Usafi (cleaning) and the Vyoo (latrines) projects.  The bridge will allow small vehicles to collect and dispose of the waste that currently lines the river.  The walls will prevent the river over flowing and flooding the nearby latrines.  New septic fosse latrines and modern flush toilets with showers are also planned.

The lack of modern toilets in the area is a major contributor to the pollution of the river. The pit latrines built in close proximity to the river release all the human and water waste into the river.

This project aims to upgrade the existing toilets by building affordable modern toilets and channeling the waste into a proper drainage system. This will not only improve the sanitary conditions but also curb the outbreak of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.