By Christian Appleton
PEDEBOE, MARYLAND COUNTY – The Cavalla River, which serves as the border between Liberia and Ivory Coast, is notorious for its annual flooding, which disrupts transport and trade. This year, the river has expanded to a daunting 400 meters, causing significant delays and stranding trucks on both sides for weeks. However, relief is on the horizon as engineers from a Chinese firm have arrived to commence construction of a new bridge.
The bridge project, part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) technical infrastructure sharing initiative, is slated to take 24 months. On October 3, 2024, a pivotal meeting took place in Ivory Coast, attended by representatives from both nations, ECOWAS officials, and contractors from SHAANXI Construction Engineering Corporation LTD. Maryland County authorities were also present, underscoring the project’s significance for regional trade and transportation.
Liberian President Joseph N. Boikai, addressing the meeting via telephone, expressed appreciation for the collaboration among stakeholders. He highlighted that the bridge will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services between Liberia and Ivory Coast, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.
Local residents have welcomed the project, viewing it as a critical solution to the challenges they face, particularly during the dry season when river levels are at their lowest. “We are happy to see this bridge being constructed. It’s been very hard for us, especially when the river is full,” said John Y. Howard, a local resident.
Taxi driver William T. Bondo echoed these sentiments, stating, “We’ve faced many challenges with customers bringing goods from Nigeria and Togo. When the river is full, the ferry can’t cross, which is a total embarrassment. This bridge is a great idea, and we’re very happy.”
In addition to the bridge, Liberia is also reaping benefits from electricity initiatives through the West Africa Power Pool Project, highlighting a strong collaborative spirit of development in the region.
As construction gets underway, residents of Maryland County remain optimistic that the new infrastructure will not only transform their daily lives but also strengthen economic ties across the border, paving the way for a more integrated West Africa.
