Besix to start construction of seven bridges in Gabon

The joint venture, which also involves Metallic Bridges of Belgium and Matiere, won a deal to build the bridges last year but the start of construction had to wait until funding was in place and the project reached financial close.

The for the Gabonese Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure consists of:

• Designing and building two 200-metre flyovers in Libreville, the Gabonese capital, to improve traffic flow.
• Constructing a 200-metre-long steel bridge across the Abanga River in Ebel, a city located on the Transgabonese road, replacing the existing bridge.
• Building four pedestrian bridges in Libreville to enhance pedestrian safety around schools and markets.

Besix will perform all civil works and the installation of the bridges. Matiere, through its Belgian subsidiary MBB, will supply all the steel structures. The companies have previously partnered on the Pont de l’Enfance bridge and the Mungo bridge in Cameroon.

Quentin Olivier, business development manager at Besix, said, “Besix is proud to undertake this project, which will significantly improve traffic flow, safety, and ultimately, the regional and national economy. As the consortium leader, Besix actively supported the Gabonese government in securing the financing. This involved collaboration with the Belgian export credit agency Credendo and Besix’s long-standing financial partners.”