Chinese Government provides a RMB 40 million grant for the Togblékopé, Lilikopé and Amakpapé Bridges Rehabilitation Project

Project narrative

In 2008, the Chinese Government and the Government of Togo signed a RMB 40 million grant agreement for the Togblékopé, Lilikopé and Amakpapé Bridges Rehabilitation Project. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) provided the grant. This project involved the rehabilitation of the Togblékopé, Lilikopé and Amakpapé Bridges along National Route 1 (RN1). Flooding in July 2008 destroyed the bridges, the only connections from the north and south of Togo, effectively cutting the country in half. The loss of the bridges stagnated north-south traffic flow through the country. It also severely impacted trade with Togo's landlocked neighbors Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was the general contractor responsible for implementation. It was issued an EPC contract [Marché N° 007/2008/MTPT/SG/DGTP] on November 6, 2008. Togo's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport provided technical services for the project. CRBC completed a temporary bridge at the end of December 2008. A grand foundation laying ceremony was held on January 16, 2009. However, construction did not begin until March 10, 2009. The project was expected to be completed before the end of October 2009. Planning and construction lasted 8 months, one month less than estimated. The bridges were officially inaugurated on October 7, 2009; the President of Togo Faure Gnassingbé attended the inauguration ceremony, which was held at Amakpapé, where the most important bridge was located.