The bridge is officially open! Impacted communities organized a big party, with speeches, dancing, music, skits, and a soccer match. The function was attended by local residents, 40 chiefs, and several local politicians. Great work, everyone!

The three villages that requested this project come together to prepare the bridge for its opening ceremony. Amazing demonstration of community spirit!

The contractor is just putting final touches on the bridge. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 15, and it should be quite an event given the scale of the project, the number of villages involved, and the political implications of finally completing a project that politicians had promised (but failed to deliver) for years. We were pleasantly surprised this week to receive the following video about the bridge project and what it means to the community. This was produced without our input (financial or otherwise) by a 100% Malawian team of creative folks. It was a wonderful surprise. We think it's pretty amazing and hope you enjoy it!

Work on the bridge continues! The contractor is working hard on extending the bridge on each end and hopes to wrap up the entire project in the next couple of weeks.

We have gone ahead with the plan of adding 18 meters to the bridge in order to reinforce it further (this extension will discourage water from carving paths around the bridge). Scientists predict that abnormally powerful rainy season storms will continue to pound Malawi for the foreseeable future (the new normal of climate extremes in this part of the world). The contractor has agreed to provide free labor and perform the work for the cost of materials. The funds should hit Malawi next week. Will keep you updated!