MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward transforming road connectivity in the southeast, signing a landmark contract for the paving of an 85-kilometer corridor from the Ivorian border through Toe Town to Zwedru in Grand Gedeh County under the Rural Economic Transformation Project II (RETRAP II).
The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Public Works with a joint venture of Consolidated Contractor Offshore SAL and Consolidated Engineering and Trading Co. SAL (ICCO–CET JV), is valued at approximately US$63 million and is expected to be executed over a 36-month period.
A Strategic Corridor for Trade and Connectivity
Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings described the project as a transformative investment aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which prioritizes infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.
“When completed, this corridor will link southeastern Liberia to central parts of the country and enhance trade and commerce with Côte d’Ivoire,” Giddings said.
He disclosed a strategic adjustment to the construction plan, noting that civil works will commence from Zwedru toward Toe Town to accelerate delivery and maximize early impact.
The corridor forms part of a broader push to integrate Liberia’s southeast—historically one of the most isolated regions—into national and regional markets.
Boost for Agriculture and Cross-Border Trade
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah emphasized the central role of road infrastructure in agricultural productivity and institutional performance.
“Roads remain a critical factor that drives the performance of public institutions, especially agriculture,” Nuetah said. “This project will significantly boost cross-border trade between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.”
He noted that improved road access will reduce post-harvest losses, lower transportation costs, and open up markets for farmers across Grand Gedeh and neighboring counties.
From Farm-to-Market Roads to Primary Highway Development
Originally conceived as a farm-to-market road initiative, RETRAP II has undergone a strategic shift toward full-scale primary road construction, reflecting evolving national priorities.
Minister Giddings acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture’s collaboration in facilitating this transition, describing it as essential to achieving long-term development outcomes.
“This is not just about roads—it is about unlocking economic potential and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Rigorous Procurement and Financing Framework
According to Emmanuel Baker, head of the Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU), the contractor selection process was highly competitive, beginning with 23 firms in February 2024.
The ICCO–CET Joint Venture emerged as the most responsive bidder following a comprehensive evaluation process, with final approval granted on March 3, 2026.
The project is jointly financed by:
- The World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA)
- The Liberia Development Trust Fund
- The Government of Liberia
Contractor Commits to Timely Delivery
Representing the contractors, ICCO CEO Ihab Serhal expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in his firm and pledged to deliver the project in line with international standards.
“We are fully aware of the importance of this corridor to the Liberian government and people,” Serhal said. “We remain committed to delivering within the agreed timeframe and in full compliance with technical, environmental, and safety standards.”
Impact on Rural Livelihoods
The RETRAP II corridor is expected to directly benefit an estimated 900,000 farmers and road users, particularly in rural communities where access to markets and services remains limited.
Officials say the project will:
- Improve mobility and reduce travel time
- Strengthen regional trade links with Côte d’Ivoire
- Enhance food security and rural incomes
- Support broader economic integration
Part of a Wider Infrastructure Push
The project complements ongoing government efforts to expand Liberia’s road network, including other southeast corridor initiatives aimed at connecting remote counties to national economic hubs and international borders.
With construction set to begin shortly, authorities say the RETRAP II corridor represents a critical milestone in Liberia’s infrastructure development agenda—one that could reshape economic activity in the southeast for years to come.
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