Chinese Government provides RMB 345.9 million grant for China-Mali Friendship Bridge Construction Project

Project narrative

On August 1 and 8, 2007, the Chinese and Malian governments signed an exchange of notes in which the Chinese Government agreed to fund several foreign aid projects, including the China-Mali Friendship Bridge Construction Project in Bamako. The project involved the construction of a two-way, four-lane bridge over the Niger River in the city of Bamako that is 1626.5 meters long and 24 meters wide. It also involved the construction of two interchanges, one on each bank of the Niger River, the construction of a roadway on both sides of the bridge that is 667.681 meters in length; and the construction of an access road that is 1,621.726 meters in length. China’s Ministry of Commerce reportedly committed at least RMB 345.9 million of grant funding for this project. On November 14, 2008, China Ministry of Commerce announced that China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) won the tender for the project. The foundation stone for the project was laid in February 13, 2009; however, 40 Chinese engineers and technical workers reportedly arrived in Bamako three months prior to the ceremony. The project officially commenced on May 8, 2009. Then, on September 22, 2011, President Amadou Toumani Toure inaugurated the China-Mali Friendship Bridge. The bridge reportedly accommodates a daily traffic volume of 100,000 vehicles.