AfDB approves Phase II of UFM programme to improve roads

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted permission for the launch of the second phase of the Mano River Union (UFM) programme, which seeks to improve roads and support transportation between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire.

Set to consolidate road rehabilitation efforts so far, the second phase will improve economic recovery in the two countries.

Under the UFM programme, nearly 67.1 km of road between Liberia’s Fish Town and Kelipo (20 km) and between Sanniquellie and Loquatuo (47.1 km) will be constructed using asphalt. It also includes two markets along the same roads.

Plans will include construction of a joint control post and a bridge connecting Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.

In addition to facilitating free movement of people and goods, the project will reduce transport expenses, promote regional trade and improve the living standards of approximately 791,000 people.

More than 80% cost of the project phase will be funded by AfDB, with $41.6m contribution from the African Development Fund (ADF), $28.8m in loans and grants from the Transition Support Facility (TSF) and an additional envelope of $12.8m.

The UFM programme is expected to be completed by December 2022. The roads will be opened for traffic in 2021.

The first phase of the road project was estimated at approximately $314.4m. Under this phase, Bank Group offered $288.3m in loans in December 2014 for works in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia.

During the initial stage, more than 280km of roads were rehabilitated, including 140km in Côte d’Ivoire, 40km in Guinea and 96km in Liberia.

Additionally, two joint control posts and a cross-border bridge on the Cavally River were constructed.

Now the project is in its final stages and has enabled the opening up of areas such as the Tonkpi, Cavally and San-Pedro regions in Côte d’Ivoire, N’zerekore in Guinea and the counties of Maryland and River Gee in Liberia.