Rutaka footbridge in Rwanda: a low technology deck launch

US charity Bridges to Prosperity has delivered over 250 simply designed and built footbridges around the world to provide rural communities with year-round safe access to markets, farms, schools, health clinics and other critical services. This paper describes the innovative design and construction of a 40 m suspended footbridge in Rutaka, Rwanda, which was completed in 2017. To reduce time working at height, the volunteer engineering team developed and trialled a low-technology method for launching the deck from a temporary platform, significantly improving safety and quality control. A photography-based community initiative also helped to convey the importance of maintaining the structure.