ECOWAS Hands Over Construction Site for Prollo Border Bridge

By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.

Cote D'Ivoire – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially handed over the construction site for a new bridge at the Prollo border between Liberia and Cote D'Ivoire.

The ceremony, held on October 3, 2024, brought together delegates from the ECOWAS Commission, and government representatives from both nations.

The project will be undertaken by the SEEGE Group of Construction Companies, a Chinese-owned firm, and is expected to be completed over the next two years.

 The bridge, sponsored by the African Development Bank, comes with a total cost of US$15 million.

Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Director of Transport Chris Appiah highlighted the organization's success in similar infrastructure projects, referencing previous bridges linking Ghana and Togo, Nigeria and Benin, and others across the region.

Appiah emphasized that the 200-meter bridge, once completed, will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and cut transportation costs between Liberia and Cote D'Ivoire.

Receiving the site, SEEGE Project Manager Engr. David Leo expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in his company and reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering a high-quality project. "We will do everything possible to ensure the success of this project," Leo stated.

The bridge is expected to improve trade and cross-border transport, replacing the current reliance on unsafe water transportation methods like canoes and boats, which have long posed risks to traders and migrants.

Once completed, the bridge will offer safer, more efficient land transport, strengthening economic ties between Liberia and Cote D'Ivoire.