The Gabon Motorway Company (Société Autoroutière du Gabon – SAG) officially opened a new two-lane paved road spanning 16 km between Nkok and Ntoum on Wednesday.
Alignment with Commitments
This opening aligns with commitments made during Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima’s visit to the construction site on March 8th and those of Thierry Deau, CEO of Meridiam, to the President of the Transition during the Gabon-France Forum on May 31, 2024.
With this new section open, a total of 81 kilometers are now accessible between PK 24 and PK 105 of National Road 1 (RN1), connecting Libreville to Franceville.
Crucial Step in Infrastructure Development
The opening of this new section marks a crucial step in the country’s road infrastructure development. It will significantly contribute to regional and national economic development, improve the mobility of people and goods, while ensuring environmental considerations are taken into account.
With the inauguration of this new portion of RN1, thousands of daily users of this strategic road axis for Gabon will benefit from smooth, safe, and comfortable traffic throughout the year.
Extensive Drainage and Construction Works
This section required extensive drainage works and the construction of various structures to prevent flooding during rainy seasons and ensure the road’s accessibility and safety year-round.
These works will also significantly reduce maintenance and renewal needs, particularly through the pavement design, which is more robust than usual designs, guaranteeing a longer lifespan despite heavy traffic.
Successful Public-Private Partnership
The result of a public-private partnership (PPP) finalized in 2021 between the Gabonese State and Meridiam, with the Gabon Motorway Company as the delegated project owner, the opening of this first section of National Road 1 (RN1) also highlights the success of this public-private collaboration in serving the Gabonese population and concretely improving their living conditions.
The entire first section of RN1 (93 km in total) is expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.
Benefits for Users and the Environment
Selim Bejaoui, General Manager of SAG, stated, “The complete opening of this new section of RN1 will considerably improve the quality, safety, and conditions for transporting goods and people.
With the upcoming holiday season, Gabonese people will be able to reach the country’s interior much more easily by using this new section.
This partnership also demonstrates that close cooperation between public and private actors can significantly transform Gabon’s road infrastructure for the benefit of the population and the environment.”
About SAG
SAG is the project company resulting from a public-private partnership signed between the Gabonese State and Meridiam, a mission-driven company specializing in the design, financing, and management of sustainable infrastructure.
Under this agreement, SAG is responsible for the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the first section of the National Road, between PK12 and PK105, for a duration of 30 years. The SAG project is a collective endeavor employing over 1,000 people, 80% of whom are Gabonese.
SAG also stands out for its strong environmental commitments, with the project aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the UN in its 2030 Agenda: 7 (renewable energy), 9 (access to decent jobs), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 15 (protection of terrestrial flora and fauna). Furthermore, the completion of the first section is expected to significantly reduce travel time for users (estimated to be over 1 hour) and thereby contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
About Meridiam
Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, with the conviction that aligning the interests of the public and private sectors can provide solutions to the essential needs of the community.
Meridiam is a mission-driven company (B Corp) specializing in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in three sectors: essential public services, sustainable mobility, and innovative low-carbon solutions.
With offices in Addis Ababa, Amman, Dakar, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Libreville, Luxembourg, Paris, Vienna, and Washington, Meridiam manages over $22 billion and more than 125 projects to date. Meridiam is ISO 9001:2015 certified, has an Advanced Sustainability rating from VigeoEiris (Moody’s), ISO 37001 Anti-Corruption (AFNOR) certified, and has developed its unique ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and impact methodology based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).