A new road project will provide a US$156 million economic lifeline for Burkina Faso. The landlocked West African nation stands to gain significant economic benefits from upgrading of the 131km RN8 National Road that links Bobo-Dioulasso, Orodarara, Mahon and Koloko to Doulai Dassa on the border with neighbouring Mali. The work should take 12-16 months to carry out and will provide improved international transport for Burkina Faso, a key driver in assisting its struggling economy.
A number of other roads around Bobo-Dioulasso will also be upgraded as part of the road infrastructure development plans. Road widening as well as maintenance works will be carried out as part of the programme.