ECOWAS has formally handed over the construction of the Cavally River Bridge bridge connecting Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. The commencement of a 24-month construction phase for a bridge spanning the Cavally River was marked by the ceremony. Moreover, the ceremony was held at the Prollo border. This 288-meter cross-border bridge is a key component of the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor, which forms part of the 5th section of the continental Trans-Africa Highway network. The project will address a major gap in regional connectivity that has been an issue in the two countries. The project aligns with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050, which aims to enhance regional trade. Additionally, the bridge can improve transport links and economic cooperation across West Africa. The project also incorporates social initiatives such as market development, sanitation facilities, and local employment opportunities for nearby communities.
Project Fact Sheet
Country: Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia
Project: The Cavally River Bridge
Entities Involved: ECOWAS, Africa Development Bank.
Main Contractors: SCEGC
Significance: Connection between Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia
Project Duration: One Year
State of Affairs on the Construction of the Cavally River Bridge
According to Mr. Chris Appiah, Acting Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, the bridge is more than just infrastructure. It is a gateway to economic transformation for Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the entire West African region. Furthermore, Appiah highlighted the expected benefits, including improved trade and reduced transportation costs. It will also provide opportunities for job creation. Moreover, he emphasized the transformative potential of the project, describing the bridge as a symbol of economic growth. It also acts as a symbol of collaboration between the two nations. Prior to the handover, the ECOWAS delegation visited Tabou, Côte d’Ivoire, where the Prefect, Mme Kouakou Kalidja Epse Kouame, welcomed them. She noted the project’s significance for Côte d’Ivoire, noting its potential to enhance trade. She also noted its use to reduce travel time and foster cross-border cooperation.
Supported by the African Development Bank, the project highlights a coordinated effort between ECOWAS and the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. It also reduces transportation costs and travel time significantly. This initiative represents a key milestone in ECOWAS’s long-term goals of sustainable development. Designed as a two-lane, reinforced concrete cable-stay structure, the Cavally River Bridge will be built to withstand local environmental challenges. The technical details about the bridge were provided by the project manager, Engr Ashore Maliki, during the handover. The contractor, SCEGC, and the supervision consultant, AIM Consult, committed to completing the project within the 24-month timeframe. This infrastructure initiative represents a significant step towards realizing ECOWAS’s vision of a more integrated and prosperous West Africa. It also promises to unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen ties between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.
Similar projects in West Africa
Other than the Cavally River Bridge, the Republic of Liberia is making remarkable milestones in the construction of 51 kilometers of roads in selected communities and neighborhoods in Monrovia and its environs. These roads are ushering in a new era of easier, safer, and more reliable access for the movement of people and goods. Furthermore, it acts as a crucial component of its transformative mission. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is committed to revitalizing, empowering, and strengthening the ECOWAS sub-region by improving its infrastructure sector throughout its member states.
The development of these all-weather access roads in 29 towns and neighborhoods, which EBID funded, has significantly improved Liberia’s quality of life. The construction of 26 new roads, each with a maximum axle load capacity of 13 tons and a design speed of 80 kilometers per hour, has greatly enhanced the transportation environment. These roads are expected to last for 15 years.
