By Robert Dixon
MONROVIA, June 2, (LINA) – The Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, under the Mano River Union (MRU) framework, have secured financing to begin the third phase of the MRU Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programmed – a initiative which is aimed at enhancing regional trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development.
In fulfilment of countries’ obligations, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works, recently signed the Supervision Consulting Contract with SARI Consulting Limited—forming partnership with BK Enterprise Engineering Consultancy & Construction Services, a local Liberian firm.
Backed by significant financing from the African Development Bank (AFDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and national governments, Phase-3 will see the development and asphalting of 114km of roads with 50km in Liberia and 64km in Sierra Leone, which will be constructed to ECOWAS standards.
Additionally, feasibility and design studies will be conducted on another 107km of road in Guinea and Liberia. A major highlight of the project is the construction of a 276-meter bridge over the Makona (Moa) River, linking Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The program, valued at US$98.19 million, also includes targeted investments in socio-economic infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives, especially for women and youth.
These efforts aimed to improve local livelihoods and foster inclusive economic growth.
Interestingly, Liberia has already taken a significant step forward with the Ministry of Public Works completing the procurement of a supervision consultant for the Kelipo to John Davis Town road segment (61.5km), using savings from the completed Harper to Karloken stretch.
While this progress has been achieved, the hiring of a civil works contractor is in sight.
The project, once completed, is expected to reduce transport costs, streamline customs procedures, and increase trade and transit-traffic across the region. It will also enhance access to essential services and economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities, women, and youth.
The Government of Liberia considers the MRU Road Program as a significant milestone in regional integration and infrastructure development across West Africa.
