By H Matthew Turry
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), has begun a joint technical review of the Monrovia Integrated Development Project (MIDP) with a high-level delegation from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Government of France, aimed at assessing progress and strengthening collaboration on climate-resilient urban development.
The two-day mission, held from July 22-23, 2026, includes field visits to the project’s intervention communities of Wood Camp, Shoe Factory and Sinkor Lakpazee, where officials are evaluating infrastructure works, drainage improvements, flood mitigation measures, and community recreational facilities.
The MIDP is funded through a five-year €10 million grant from AFD and seeks to improve urban infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance public services in vulnerable communities across Monrovia. The French Development Agency has also committed an additional €900,000 for the Urban Fabric Initiative (UFI), implemented by Mercy Corps under the Ministry of Public Works, to support small-scale community infrastructure and public space improvements designed with local residents.
The visiting delegation is headed by Ms. Clémentine Dardy, AFD Country Director for Ghana and Liberia, and includes Mr. Andrew Aryee, Urban Development and Transport Manager, and Mr. Eliot Sotty, Human Capital Project Manager. French Ambassador to Liberia H.E. Isabelle Le Guellec joined the delegation during site inspections.
Speaking during the visit to the Shoe Factory community, Deputy Minister for Public Works for Technical Services, Timba, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
He noted that although construction is progressing well, weather conditions and delays in securing land for some activities have slowed implementation.
“The rains have affected construction activities, and some land needed for the project became available later than expected,” he explained. “Despite these challenges, we are making steady progress, and the communities are eager to see the remaining components of the project begin.”
The Deputy Minister praised the strong involvement of local residents, describing community ownership as one of the project’s greatest achievements.
“We are pleased with the way the community has embraced this project,” he said. “When local people become part of the implementation process, they protect the infrastructure because they see it as their own.”
He added that the government is already planning for the long-term sustainability of the facilities by ensuring that communities are involved in their operation and maintenance after construction is completed.
“We want the communities to understand from the beginning that these facilities belong to them. They should take ownership and work with the Ministry to maintain them for future generations,” he said.
AFD Country Director Clémentine Dardy said the Monrovia Integrated Development Project reflects the French Development Agency’s broader commitment to financing climate-resilient infrastructure across Africa.
She noted that AFD currently supports more than 4,000 development projects worldwide, with nearly half of its annual financing directed toward African countries.
“Half of our investments are focused on climate resilience,” Dardy said. “This project is helping to reduce flooding, improve urban roads and strengthen drainage systems, which are critical issues for Monrovia.”
She also commended the active participation of community leaders, women, and youth throughout the implementation process.
“What impressed me most today was the ownership demonstrated by the communities. Their engagement will be essential to the long-term success of this project,” she said.
French Ambassador Isabelle Le Guellec described the field visit as an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the project on local communities.
“It was very important to come and see on the ground what the Monrovia Integrated Development Project is delivering,” Ambassador Le Guellec said. “The communities themselves explained how they have been involved in the project, and it is encouraging to see the progress that has already been made.”
The Ambassador also highlighted the growing cooperation between Liberia and France following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s official visit to France in October 2025.
She recalled that Liberia and France signed a cooperation agreement covering seven priority sectors, including water and waste management, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
“We are now preparing to establish the joint commission created under that agreement so that we can continue discussions with Liberia on its development priorities,” Ambassador Le Guellec said. “France remains ready to deepen its partnership and support Liberia’s national development agenda.”
During the mission, the delegation also held consultations with Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings, officials of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and other development partners to review implementation progress and discuss future investments under the bilateral partnership.
Officials said the technical review is expected to strengthen coordination between Liberia and France while ensuring that the MIDP and the Urban Fabric Initiative continue to deliver sustainable infrastructure, improved climate resilience, and better living conditions for residents in Monrovia’s underserved communities.
