A significant bridge project is set to commence between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire this November, with an estimated budget of US$15 million. This project is instituted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in partnership with the African Development Bank and aims to enhance cross-border trade between the two nations. The commissioning ceremony took place at Plulo Border in Côte d’Ivoire on October 3, 2024, attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from ECOWAS and both governments, as well as engineers from the construction firm AIM LTD.
The Acting Director of Transport at ECOWAS, Mr. Chris Appiah, highlighted the initiative as part of broader efforts to facilitate the movement of over 400 million people within the West African region. He pointed out the importance of connecting critical transportation corridors across various countries, ensuring that citizens can traverse borders for trade and social interaction. The bridge will serve as a vital link in a corridor stretching from Dakar to Abuja, filling a critical gap in the regional infrastructure network that has hindered movement and commerce. This project is anticipated to improve access and mobility significantly.
Mr. Appiah noted that the African Development Bank is financing an extensive US$258 million project that includes not only the Cavalla River bridge but also connecting roads. He explained that the fund was earmarked for constructing vital infrastructure that fosters easy movement between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, ultimately enhancing regional trade. The completion of the bridge is projected within two years, as teams have begun preliminary discussions with local communities and authorities to ensure cooperation throughout the construction phase.
Collaboration is crucial for the bridge’s success, according to Mr. Appiah, who stressed the need for daily supervision and work coordination by the engineers from both Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Each country is expected to provide engineers to monitor construction activities and ensure compliance with contracts. This integration effort aims not only to facilitate travel but also to strengthen economic ties across the two countries, creating a unified market that allows for free enterprise and mobility as if individuals were citizens of either nation.
In discussing infrastructure’s role in promoting regional integration, Mr. Appiah asserted that connectivity is vital for trade and economic activities, with roads representing 90% of trade in the region. He cited successful projects such as a US$400 million bridge between Nigeria and Cameroon as benchmarks for potential benefits from this initiative. Improved transportation infrastructures are viewed as significant catalysts for economic growth, enabling interdependence among various sectors, including education, agriculture, tourism, and the environment.
As anticipation builds for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for November, project manager David Leo from SHAANXI Construction Engineering Corporation reaffirmed the company’s commitment to staying on schedule. Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole expressed optimism regarding the project, highlighting the difficulties citizens currently face in accessing goods and services from Côte d’Ivoire. He pledged cooperation from local authorities, reflecting the project’s local significance in fostering economic development and easing logistical challenges faced by the community.
