By: Aaron B. Nemah
MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA, OCTOBER 7, 2024 – The African Development Bank, in collaboration with ECOWAS, has officially launched a $15 million project to construct a modern bridge over the Cavalla River, which will benefit both Liberia and Ivory Coast. This critical infrastructure project aims to promote free trade and facilitate the exchange of goods and services between the two countries.
The bridge, to be built at the Plolo Border, is scheduled to begin construction in November 2024, with an expected completion time of 24 months. The project is seen as a significant step toward improving connectivity in West Africa, supporting economic growth, and enhancing regional trade relations.
Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Chris Appiah, emphasized the importance of the project in fostering greater connectivity between Liberia and Ivory Coast. “This bridge will not only promote free trade but also improve access to markets, ultimately contributing to the overall economic development of both countries,” Appiah stated.
He further highlighted that this initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ broader vision of uniting African nations through improved infrastructure, a goal discussed in previous administrations.
The bridge construction will be overseen by engineers from both Liberia and Ivory Coast to ensure smooth progress. Cooperation between the two nations, especially in facilitating tax waivers for construction materials and equipment at ports and borders, will be crucial to the project’s success.
The launch event, held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, attracted key stakeholders, including ECOWAS delegates, community members, and representatives from AIM LTD and SCEGC, the contractors responsible for the project. Engineer Michael Ihimekpen from AIM LTD and Mr. Liary Tao, Project Manager at SCEGC, were among those present.
In his remarks, Mr. Tao assured attendees that the 488-meter bridge would be completed within the 24-month timeline, reiterating the commitment of both partners to the project.
Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole expressed his gratitude to the African Development Bank, ECOWAS, and the governments of Liberia and Ivory Coast for their commitment to the bridge. He highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by traders, such as frequent flooding from the Cavalla River and accidents leading to the loss of lives and goods, and noted that the new bridge would bring relief to cross-border traders and improve safety for travelers.
“This project is a milestone for the people of Liberia and Ivory Coast,” Superintendent Cole stated. “The new bridge will not only alleviate challenges faced by traders but will also foster greater economic cooperation between our two nations.”
The project comes on the heels of a recently completed 400-meter bridge linking several West African nations, including Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, which has significantly contributed to trade improvements in the region.
With ECOWAS representing approximately 400 million people across its member states, improved infrastructure like the Cavalla River bridge is expected to have a far-reaching impact on regional commerce and economic integration.
