Monrovia, Liberia: The third phase of the Mano River Union (MRU) Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program is set to begin, following the successful mobilization of financing by the Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The project aims to significantly enhance regional trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
Under the MRU framework, the Government of Liberia—through the Ministry of Public Works—recently signed a Supervision Consulting Contract with SARI Consulting Limited. The international firm will partner with Liberian-based BK Enterprise Engineering Consultancy & Construction Services to provide oversight for the project’s implementation in Liberia.
Funded by the African Development Fund (ADF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and national governments, Phase 3 of the project involves the construction and paving of 114 kilometers of road to ECOWAS standards. Of this, 50 kilometers will be developed in Liberia and 64 kilometers in Sierra Leone. In addition, feasibility and design studies will be conducted on another 107 kilometers of road spanning parts of Guinea and Liberia.
One of the landmark components of the project is the planned construction of a 276-meter bridge over the Makona River, which will physically link Guinea and Sierra Leone. The bridge is expected to serve as a critical artery for cross-border trade and travel.
With a total investment of USD 98.19 million, the initiative goes beyond infrastructure to include targeted socio-economic interventions. These include investments in local services and capacity-building programs, particularly geared toward empowering women and youth—further contributing to inclusive growth in the region.
Liberia has already made headway in its commitments under the program. Using funds saved from the recently completed Harper to Karloken road segment, the Ministry of Public Works has successfully procured a supervision consultant for the 61.5-kilometer stretch from Kelipo to John Davis Town. The process to hire a civil works contractor for this section is expected to follow shortly.
When fully implemented, the MRU Road Project is expected to reduce transportation costs, facilitate trade through more efficient customs procedures, and improve access to essential services and markets—especially in remote and underserved areas.
The Government of Liberia has hailed the initiative as a major milestone in advancing regional integration and infrastructure development in West Africa. Through improved road links with neighboring Guinea and Sierra Leone, Liberia is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s economic and logistical landscape.
Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings praised the initiative, reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s strong commitment to the full implementation of the planned projects.
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