The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission conducted a joint monitoring mission from November 5 to 7, 2025, to assess the progress of the Cavalla River Bridge construction. The bridge, spanning 288 meters, is intended to connect Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia and improve regional infrastructure as part of the Mano River Union’s Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme. This project aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 goals.
Currently, people crossing the Cavalla River rely on an old ferry and small canoes, which pose safety risks for commuters, traders, and residents. The new bridge aims to address these challenges by providing safer and more efficient passage.
The monitoring delegation was led by Chris Appiah, Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission. He was joined by Ashoke Maliki, Head of the Road and Railways Unit; Mahan Fathmah, Political Adviser representing ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire; and Dr. Kazilé Timothée Kouadio from the Ivorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Kouadio confirmed continued support from the Ivorian government for the project.
Local authorities met with the delegation in San Pedro and Tabou on the Ivorian side and Maryland County on the Liberian side. Discussions emphasized both countries’ commitment to completing the bridge.
Technical inspections started in Liberia where teams from SCEGC, the construction company, showed progress on site mobilization. On the Ivorian side in Prollo, work is underway on foundations and piles. Meetings with local leaders addressed concerns about population resettlement and site arrangements.
A separate session involved SCEGC Project Manager Li Jianbing and AIM Consult, responsible for project supervision. They discussed challenges such as incomplete resettlement in Prollo, delays related to moving equipment across borders, customs clearance issues for materials, and delivery delays from Ghana. The Ivorian government representative promised action to resolve these problems.
The Cavalla River Border Bridge is constructed using prestressed reinforced concrete. Chris Appiah stated that it “represents a gateway to economic transformation between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.”
ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both countries until completion of this infrastructure project aimed at enhancing regional integration, trade facilitation, and mobility within West Africa.