In 2003 a flash flood swept away the primitive bridge that connected the two halves of a village near Meru in Kenya. In the "dry" season, villagers had to wade waist deep to cross from one side to the other. In the rainy season, the river is a raging torrent - many villagers have lost their lives trying to cross to the other side.

The Rotary Club of Middleton set about raising funds and then commissioned the construction and installation of a new bridge. The villagers themselves provided the labour.

The top photo shows the bridge being manoeuvred across the river in preparation for the bridge to be lifted by human effort on to the pillars to be secured.  

No lifting gear of any kind was used - only human effort.

The contractor lost sleep in the days leading up to the bridge being put in place - he had visions of people being seriously injured and killed. In the event, the only injuries sustained were a few minor cuts and bruises.

                                                      A (very satisfying) View from a Bridge