EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Summary presents the main findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the paving of the 60.9 km Buchanan–Cestos Junction Road under the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme (MRU/RDTFP), Phase V, Lot 1.

0.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES

This Executive Summary presents the main findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment prepared for the paving of the Buchanan–Cestos City Junction Road Corridor under the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme, Phase V, Lot I. It replaces the previous Non-Technical Summary and is aligned with the main ESIA report, Version 03, dated July 16, 2026.

The project covers approximately 60.9 km, including the link to the Port of Buchanan, and is located in Grand Bassa and River Cess Counties. The proposed works will transform the existing seasonal laterite road into an all-weather bituminous asphalt road, thereby improving transport reliability, access to markets and essential services, road safety, and regional trade connectivity.

The objective of development is to improve road infrastructure and cross-border transport connectivity within the Mano River Union area in order to facilitate trade, movement of people, regional integration, post-conflict economic recovery, and poverty reduction. Specifically, the project seeks to provide an all-weather, safe and efficient road link between Buchanan and Cestos City Junction; reduce vehicle operating costs and travel time; improve access to markets, health care, education, administrative services and the Port of Buchanan; and stimulate agricultural production, trade and private-sector investment along the corridor.