STORY: China-built bridge eases traffic, creates jobs for Abidjan
SHOOTING TIME: recent footage
DATELINE: Aug. 27, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:30
LOCATION: ABIDJAN, Cote d'Ivoire
CATEGORY: ECONOMY/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Cocody Bridge in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): MOHAMED KONE, Mason
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): SOULAMA DRAMANE, Driver
4. various of the Cocody Bridge in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): JEAN MARC ODJE, Interpreter and Project Manager
6. various of the Cocody Bridge in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
7. SOUNDBITE 4 (French): JEAN MARC ODJE, Interpreter and Project Manager
8. SOUNDBITE 5 (French): VICTORIENNE DIEH, Sanitation worker

STORYLINE:

On Aug. 12, the Cocody Bridge in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, marked its first anniversary since opening to the public.

The Chinese-built white concrete structure and inverted Y-shaped pylon bridge span the Ebrie Lagoon, connecting the communes of Plateau and Cocody. 

Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire, has long faced traffic challenges due to the lagoon dividing the city. Rapid urbanization on both sides has only intensified these issues.

Built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Cocody Bridge has become a crucial infrastructure solution.

It is Abidjan's fifth bridge across the lagoon and the largest cable-stayed bridge in West Africa.

SOUNDBITE 1 (French): MOHAMED KONE, Mason
"Honestly, the bridge was well-built. And as you can see, everything is going well here. I have been here for more than two weeks, and I see many people leaving their homes and coming here to take photos on the bridge. I am happy and proud of this bridge because it has been well constructed."

SOUNDBITE 2 (French): SOULAMA DRAMANE, Driver
"In addition to being an architectural gem, this bridge shortens the journey between Cocody and Plateau (two communes of Abidjan). Before the bridge appeared, we had to make a big detour. From Cocody, we had to go through the corniche and would end up stuck in traffic. But today, we can travel from Cocody to Plateau in less than 5 minutes."

The bridge has significantly eased traffic congestion, earning its place as a new landmark in Abidjan's skyline, often referred to as the "pearl of the CBD."

SOUNDBITE 3 (French): JEAN MARC ODJE, Interpreter and Project Manager
"This bridge is an architectural gem for Cote d'Ivoire. It is even the first time that we have an illuminated bridge. With its luminous cables, this bridge once again showcases the beauty of Cote d'Ivoire."

The Cocody Bridge has not only improved local infrastructure but also created job opportunities.

SOUNDBITE 4 (French): JEAN MARC ODJE, Interpreter and Project Manager
"What I take away from this bridge is that it has taught me a lot. As a novice in the construction industry, I have learned much through the bridge project."

SOUNDBITE 5 (French): VICTORIENNE DIEH, Sanitation worker
"Thanks to this bridge and the numerous paving works, we, the employees of cleaning companies, can also have work. It is thanks to this bridge that I myself have found a job, and I am very happy. It should also be said that the bridge enhances the beauty of Cote d'Ivoire and Africa."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
(XHTV)