By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has taken another step toward advancing its development agenda by signing a major road construction agreement aimed at improving connectivity in the country’s southeastern region. The deal, finalized on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, involves the paving of an 85-kilometer stretch of road from the Ivorian border through Toe’s Town to Zwedru in Grand Gedeh County.
The agreement, signed through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), brings on board a joint venture between Consolidated Contractor Offshore SAL and Consolidated Engineering and Trading Co. SAL (ICCO-CET-JV) to execute the project.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings praised the World Bank for its continued support, emphasizing that the project aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). He noted that once completed, the road will significantly enhance trade links between Liberia and neighboring Ivory Coast, while also improving access for agricultural activities.
Minister Giddings disclosed a change in the implementation approach, indicating that construction will now commence from Zwedru toward Toe’s Town rather than the originally planned sequence. According to him, this adjustment is intended to fast-track completion of the project, which is expected to span 36 months.
He also acknowledged the collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighting a strategic shift from feeder (farm-to-market) roads under the RETRAP 2 initiative to the development of primary road infrastructure.
For his part, Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah underscored the importance of road infrastructure in strengthening public sector performance. He warned that persistent challenges in the road network could negatively affect critical sectors, particularly agriculture.
Minister Nuetah described the RETRAP 2 project as a transformative initiative that will boost cross-border commerce between Liberia and Ivory Coast, benefiting farmers and rural communities.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Baker, Program Manager of the Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU), explained that the project is jointly funded by the World Bank through its International Development Association (IDA), the Liberia Development Trust Fund, and the Liberian government.
Baker revealed that the contractor selection process was highly competitive, beginning with 23 firms in February 2024. He added that the World Bank granted final approval for the contract award on March 3, 2026, following the submission of a comprehensive evaluation report earlier in January. The ICCO-CET-JV consortium ultimately emerged as the winning bidder based on responsiveness and compliance with procurement requirements.
The total cost of the project exceeds US$63 million, reflecting one of the significant investments in Liberia’s road sector in recent times.
MPW says the initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 900,000 people, particularly farmers and rural residents, by improving access to markets, enhancing mobility, and strengthening economic resilience across the region.
