The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and in collaboration with a high-level delegation from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has conducted a technical review and field assessment of the Monrovia Integrated Development Project (MIDP) and the Urban Fabric Initiative (UFI).
The MIDP strengthens the longstanding bilateral partnership between the Governments of Liberia and France, supported by a 5-year €10 million grant from AFD. This project aims to upgrade urban infrastructure, enhance climate resilience, and deliver community-driven investments in selected neighborhoods of Monrovia, specifically Wood Camp, Shoe Factory, and Lakpazee, to improve service delivery and overall quality of life.
Additionally, AFD has committed €900,000 to establish the Urban Fabric Initiative, which is implemented by Mercy Corps with the oversight of the Ministry of Public Works. This parallel initiative seeks to upgrade small-scale public spaces and community infrastructure projects that are co-designed and co-produced by residents and stakeholders, while the technical design and works for the larger infrastructure investments under the MIDP are ongoing.
The delegation visited the MIDP intervention areas: Wood Camp, Shoe Factory, and Sinkor Lakpazee. Speaking with a team of journalists, Prince Tamba, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, stated that the primary objective of the assessment was to check the progress of implementation, review deliverables, and advance strategic dialogue on project execution and shared development priorities.
Deputy Minister Tamba emphasized that the project is a work in progress, and everything being done by the government and AFD aims to enhance development infrastructure for the benefit of the people. He mentioned significant developments at the first site in Wood Camp and expressed satisfaction with the community’s involvement in ensuring the project’s success.
He assured that the project would be completed by the end of the year and noted that the Ministry is collaborating with AFD to ensure sustainability. He expressed hope that AFD’s initiatives would continue beyond the initial five years, until 2028. He encouraged community members to take ownership of the projects occurring within their neighborhoods.
Ms. Clementine Dardy, AFD Country Director for Ghana and Liberia, stated that there are around 4,000 AFD projects worldwide, with a focus on Africa. She noted that half of their projects in Africa address drainage and flood mitigation, climate-resilient urban road rehabilitation, and the development of community recreational facilities and public spaces.
She remarked that the ongoing work at the sites indicates that communities are prepared for development and are actively working to ensure the project’s success. French Ambassador H.E. Isabelle Le Guellec expressed her interest in witnessing the work at the various sites and the involvement of the communities.
Community members praised the Government of Liberia for the infrastructure initiatives in their areas and pledged to ensure the successful completion of the projects for the benefit of their communities.
