Construction of a bridge over the Cavally River has officially commenced following the site handover by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the contractor, SCEGC, and supervising consultant, AIM Consult.
The bridge is considered a vital piece of infrastructure that will connect Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, supporting ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 goals of enhancing regional trade, transport connectivity, and economic cooperation across West Africa.
The Ag. Director of Transport for the ECOWAS Commission, Chris Appiah, remarked that the 288-meter bridge over the Cavally River was more than just an infrastructure project; it was a gateway to economic transformation for Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the entire West African region. He noted that the bridge, which addresses a significant missing link on the Dakar-Abidjan corridor, is expected to improve trade, reduce transportation costs, and create jobs, thereby contributing to regional integration and economic growth.
The bridge has been designed as a two-lane, reinforced concrete cable-stayed structure, built to withstand the environmental challenges of the area. Physical work on the project is expected to take 24 months, and discussions have also included plans for a temporary construction camp and material logistics through the Port of San Pedro. During the ceremony, ECOWAS highlighted additional social initiatives related to the project, including the development of markets, sanitation facilities, and employment opportunities for local communities.
Henry Cole, Jr., the Superintendent of Maryland County, Liberia, stated that the bridge represented more than just a physical connection; it symbolized economic growth and collaboration between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. He expressed that communities had long awaited improved infrastructure, and this project would open new economic frontiers for both nations.
