MONROVIA/ZWEDRU — The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward unlocking economic growth in the southeastern region, moving forward with the long-anticipated road construction project linking the Côte d’Ivoire border to Toe’s Town and Zwedru.
The project, spanning approximately 85 kilometers, forms part of the broader World Bank-supported economic transformation initiative and is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works.
Procurement Completed, Contract Ready for Execution
Officials disclosed that the procurement process—initiated in January 2024—has now been successfully concluded, with India-based LEA Associates emerging as the winning consulting firm following a rigorous evaluation process.
Out of 18 firms that initially expressed interest, seven were shortlisted, culminating in a final selection approved by the World Bank in February 2026.
The consultancy contract, valued at approximately US$1.9 million (inclusive of taxes), will cover supervision, quality assurance, and contract administration for the civil works over a projected period of three years.
“With the signing of the contract, it kicks off on May 14 for the commencement of works… which is one of the key priority projects for the government,” Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings disclosed during the program.
A Strategic Economic Corridor
Minister Giddings further underscored the national significance of the project, describing it as a transformative investment that has been envisioned for decades.
“The government sees this project as a very important project. It remains a key investment program that the government has highlighted over the last 45 years,” Giddings said.
He emphasized that the road will serve as a vital economic corridor, linking southeastern Liberia to the rest of the country and facilitating growth across key sectors.
“It is a major program that connects the country in terms of economic potential—for agriculture, for mining, for everything that has to do with economic development,” he added.
Boost for Agriculture and Regional Integration
The project is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity by improving access to markets, while also strengthening cross-border trade with Côte d’Ivoire.
Giddings highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to integrate infrastructure development with agricultural investment.
“We’re glad that the support from the World Bank… is being used to invest in the road infrastructure, which is a key piece of how you enhance the agriculture program,” he noted.
Call for Quality and Timely Delivery
The Public Works Minister challenged the selected consultants to deliver high-quality work, noting that their selection followed a competitive and transparent process.
“We expect nothing less than quality assurance to ensure that the project is executed as required,” he stressed.
He also acknowledged the operational challenges in the region, including heavy rainfall and difficult terrain, urging the firm to apply its expertise to ensure effective supervision and timely completion.
A Milestone for Southeastern Development
The road project is widely seen as a game-changer for southeastern Liberia, where poor road connectivity has long hindered economic activity and access to essential services.
With construction expected to commence in May, the initiative marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to bridge infrastructure gaps, stimulate investment, and drive inclusive development across the country.
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