By Laurina B. Lormia
Public Works Minister, Roland Layfette Giddings, has intensified efforts to accelerate the long-anticipated completion of the Cavalla River Bridge by engaging Ivorian local authorities, contractors, and consultants under the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program.
During a recent visit to Tarboo, a town on the Ivorian side of the border, Minister Giddings held strategic discussions with stakeholders to explore alternative strategies for speeding up the implementation of the MRU-1 project, which aims to physically connect Liberia and Ivory Coast through a bridge over the Cavalla River.
The initiative comes on the heels of the successful construction of a 16-kilometer road from Harper City in Maryland County, Liberia, to the Cavalla River border with Ivory Coast. While the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is funding the project, the Liberian government has responsibilities, including the resettlement of affected property owners and support for the project’s operational costs.
According to Minister Giddings, Liberia has fulfilled all its obligations, including resettlement payments, and is now waiting on the Ivorian authorities to finalize settlements on their side. “Liberia is ready. We’ve done our part and are eager to see the commencement of the bridge, which will significantly improve the lives of people living along the border,” he said.
Contractors and consultants provided a progress report to the Minister, revealing that the bridge, which will span 288 meters (approximately 945 feet) and consist of two abutments and seven piers, is progressing steadily. Geo-technical analysis is currently at 25% completion, while surveying has reached 50%.
“The mobilization of the steel beam will be completed in two weeks,” the contractor assured, “and we will begin full-scale operations on the Liberian side while we await Ivory Coast to finalize its settlement.”
Minister Giddings’ visit and engagements underscore Liberia’s commitment to regional integration and cross-border cooperation, which are seen as vital to dismantling trade barriers and boosting economic development across West Africa.
