A groundbreaking ceremony for the Yamoussoukro BRT project, Côte d'Ivoire's first bus rapid transit (BRT) project, was held on July 10, local time. Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, graced the occasion and laid the foundation stone for the project.

The project is being undertaken by China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd. (CGGC), a subsidiary of CEEC.

After receiving a comprehensive overview of the project, Begré expressed that the BRT project is a significant transportation infrastructure and a vital project for improving the wellbeing of people in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.

The successful commencement of the project can be attributed to the strong mutual trust and close collaboration between the Côte d'Ivoire government and Chinese enterprises.

The prime minister hoped the project will be completed and operational at an early date to provide more than five million citizens with a more convenient, efficient, safe, and comfortable travel experience.

The project, which has a total investment of 242 billion CFA francs, is located in Abidjan. It spans a distance of approximately 20 kilometers, starting from Yopougon and extending to Bingerville, passing through Attecoube, Adjame, and Cocody. The project will feature over 100 articulated buses and 21 modern stations.

The project is divided into two tender sections. Section 1, undertaken by China Gezhouba Group Municipal Engineering Company under CEEC, includes the construction of 8.29 kilometers of rapid transit lines, 8 bus stations, and ancillary facilities.

The BRT is a significant undertaking by China Gezhouba Group Municipal Engineering Company in Côte d'Ivoire, following the company's successful completion of the Cocody Bridge, the "Y4" bypass freeway, and biomass power station in the country.

Once completed, the project will provide convenient transportation for over 500,000 passengers daily, connecting Yopougon and Bingerville within 45 minutes. It will be seamlessly connected with other transportation means like port and airport, and serve as the main transportation artery of Abidjan.

The project is expected to greatly improve regional traffic conditions and urban functions, effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and inject new momentum into local economic development and employment opportunities for residents.

The event was joined by more than 100 people, including Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport of Côte d'Ivoire, representatives from the World Bank and the French Development Agency, as well as representatives from CGGC, China Gezhouba Group Municipal Engineering Company, and Chinese-funded institutions in Cote d'Ivoire.