GoL Signs Landmark Road Construction Agreement to Boost Connectivity with Neighboring Ivory Coast

Monrovia, Liberia: The Government of Liberia (GoL) has signed a major road construction agreement under the Rural Economic Transformation Project II (RETRAP II) for the pavement of an 85-kilometer stretch of road linking towns in Grand Gedeh to the Ivorian border.

By: Lawrena Wesseh

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Monrovia, between the Ministry of Public Works and a joint venture contractor, the Consolidated Contractor Offshore (SAL) and the Consolidated Engineering and Trading Company (ICCO-CET-JV).

RETRAP II forms part of the government of Liberia's broader development framework, the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which prioritizes road connectivity as a key driver of economic growth, especially in rural Liberia.

Speaking when he signed the document on behalf of the government, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings disclosed that the project is estimated at US$63 million.

He stated that the construction will begin from the Capital of Grand Gedeh, Zwedru, toward Toe’s Town, and other corresponding corridors onto the Ivorian border.

The Minister indicated that the project is expected to be completed in 3 years. He said when completed, the road will boost movement in southeastern Liberia and enhance cross-border trade with Ivory Coast.

“This project is not just about roads; it is about connecting people, boosting agriculture, and expanding economic opportunities. When completed, it will link southeastern Liberia to the rest of the country and enhance trade with the Ivory Coast," Giddings asserted.

The Public Works Minister also acknowledged collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing that the move will transition farm-to-market roads to full-scale primary roads easy transport of agricultural produce under the RETRAP II.

Remarking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Consolidated Contractors (ICCO), Ihab Serhal, thanked the Ministry of Public Works for entrusting his company to execute the joint venture road project with the Consolidated Contractor Offshore.

He assured the government of the ICCO’s commitment to delivering the project within the agreed timeframe and in full compliance with the highest technical, environmental, and safety standards.

For his part, the Programme Manager of the Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU) Emmanuel Baker, said the selection of the final firm (contractor) underwent rigorous procurement processes beginning with twenty-three (23) firms in late February 2024.

He further stated that the Final Clearance or Award for the Contractor was reached on March 3, 2026. According to him, following the submission of the Combined Evaluation Report on January 8, 2026, the Consolidated Contractor Offshore SAL & Consolidated Engineering and Trading Co. SAL-Joint Venture (ICCO-CET-JV) emerged as the most responsive bidder for the project.

The project is jointly financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), the Liberia Development Trust Fund, and the Liberian Government.