The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Mano River Union (MRU), successfully held the 7th Joint Technical Steering Committee Meeting of the Multinational Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program within the Mano River Union (MRU) in Monrovia, Liberia from July 9 to 10, 2024.
The two-day meeting brought together representatives from the project’s member countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia – alongside the ECOWAS Commission, the MRU Secretariat, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The main objective was to review progress made on the implementation of the program, identify solutions to challenges encountered, and agree on ways to accelerate its completion.
Mr. Chris Appiah, Acting Director of Transport for the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Mr. Ashoke Maliki, Project Director, emphasized the importance of the commitment and contributions of experts to the various components of the project, including road rehabilitation and the construction of a bridge over the Cavalla River, for its success. He urged Member States to openly discuss the challenges posed by their components to find concerted solutions.
H.E. Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, commended the significant progress made in the design of the two (2) Joint Border Posts (JPBs) at Prollo and Gbaplue, as well as the construction of the bridge over the Cavalla River, which are key components implemented by the ECOWAS Commission. Regarding the bridge, she announced that the contract for the works has been awarded and physical works are expected to commence in September 2024 with a completion period of 24 months.
“This regional project will undoubtedly benefit road users, transporters, farmers, the populations of the program area, and particularly disadvantaged groups (women and children), who constitute the majority in the program area,” she added.
With a total length of 276.35 km, the Multinational Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program between Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia within the Mano River Union will involve the rehabilitation and bituminization of the Danané-Lola (87.35 km), Bloléquin-Toulépleu-Liberian Border (65 km), Tabou-Prollo/Cavally (28 km), Karloken-Fish Town (80 km), and Harper Junction-Cavally (16 km) sections.
This BAD-funded program aims to reduce poverty, promote agriculture, and trade between Member States in the program area and falls within ECOWAS’ regional development priorities.
In summary, the 7th Joint Technical Steering Committee Meeting:
- Reviewed the satisfactory progress made in the implementation of the program.
- Identified challenges encountered and agreed on concerted solutions.
- Reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to accelerate the completion of the project.
The Mano River Union Road Development Program is a crucial project that will contribute to improving connectivity, boosting regional trade, and promoting the socio-economic development of Member States. The continued mobilization of all stakeholders is essential for its success.
