MRU ROAD PHASE-III SET TO BOOST TRADE & CONNECTIVITY IN WEST AFRICA-AS LIBERIA STANDS TO BENEFIT FROM BEING CONNECTED TO GUINEA & SIERRA LEONE BY PAVED ROAD …

By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer &Analyst

Monrovia, Liberia, April 14, 2025: 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 Programme aimed at enhancing regional trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development.

As regards project’s member 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 Fund (ADF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and national governments of the MRU, Phase 3 will see the development and asphalting of 114 km of roads with 50 km in Liberia and 64 km in Sierra Leone, which will be constructed to ECOWAS standards. Moreover, feasibility and design studies will be conducted on another 107 km 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 USD 98.19 million, also includes targeted investments in socio-economic infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives, especially for women and youth. These efforts aim to improve local livelihoods and foster inclusive economic growth along the project corridors.

According to information coming from the Ministry of Public Works, Liberia has already taken a significant step forward with the Infrastructure arm of government completing the procurement of a supervision consultant for the Kelipo to John Davis Town road segment (61.5 km), 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.

A Ministry of Public Works release says “the Government of Liberia considers the MRU Road Programme as a significant milestone in regional integration and infrastructure development across West Africa.”

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief