The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially commenced the construction of a 288-meter, two-lane cable-stayed bridge over the Cavally River, a vital infrastructure project connecting Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. The construction site, located at the Prollo border, was handed over to contractors on October 3, 2024, marking the start of the physical work, which is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Designed to enhance regional connectivity and withstand environmental challenges, the bridge aligns with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050, which aims to boost trade and transportation across West Africa. The bridge will serve as a crucial link in the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Mr. Chris Appiah, Acting Director of Transport for the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the project’s potential to transform the economies of both Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, while creating jobs and reducing transportation costs. Local initiatives, including market development and improved sanitation, are also part of the broader project plan.
Officials from both countries highlighted the bridge’s economic significance. Côte d’Ivoire’s Prefect of Tabou, Mme Kouakou Kalidja Epse Kouame, noted its potential to stimulate local trade, while Liberia’s Superintendent of Maryland County, Henry Cole Jr., stressed the new economic opportunities it will unlock.
The contractor, SCEGC, in partnership with AIM Consult, has committed to delivering the project on schedule, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for November 2024, led by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.