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SubjectFree lesson

Mano River Basin Commission contd II

ClassNotes Team 6 MIN READUPDATED 14 JUN 2026

Commerce SSS3 Second Term

WEEK  2

Mano River Basin Commission contd II

Performance Objectives

The student should be able to

     1. State the achievements of the Mano River Basin Commission.

     2. Enumerate the problems of the Mano River Basin Commission.

Content

Achievements of the Mano River Basin Commission

The Mano River Basin Commission has systematically handled a variety of  projects in the following sectors to complement the developmental efforts of member governments:

Trade

In October 1977, the Union's common external tariff schedule covering over 90 percent of all tariff items in Sierra Leone and Liberia was implemented. This move also harmonized trade and customs regulations and procedures of the two countries. The establishment of the customs union was completed in 1981 by the introduction of the MRBC trade arrangements which provide for the liberalization of trade within member countries.

Industry

The Secretariat maintains an Industrial development unit (for the promotion of industrial development in member states) which is being funded by the European Economic Community (E.E.C.). Established in 1980, the unit is charged with the responsibility of identifying industrial and other related projects as well as undertaking the required studies and assisting potential investors in the eventual implementation of projects.

By 3 October 1983 (i.e. 10 years after the Mano River Basin Commission establishment), a total of 14 projects had been identified as possible Union projects and these include:

a. Cocoa processing

b. Cassava processing

c. Coffee processing

d. Pharmaceutical industry

e. Detergent production

f. Animal feed

g. Mobile Mini-Oil mills

h. Soap concentrates in cubes

i. Tomato processing

j. Charcoal processing

k. Small-scale woodworking industry

l. Salt and soda complex

m. Spare parts for vehicles

n. Union sea link and glass.

This is aimed at seeking potential investors with whom the detailed feasibility studies will be conducted.

Infrastructure

To complement the efforts of the Union member states in the development of a sound infrastructure as one of the pre-requisite for economic and social advancement, the MRBC has initiated a number of projects in the following areas:

I. The construction of a bridge over the Mano River (opened in 1976).

II. With funds from West Germany, the Union has undertaken pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of the proposed Monrovia/Freetown highway. All planning and tender documents were finalized and firm commitments were made by the ADB, OPEC, West GermanGovernment, BADEA and the Nigerian Trust Fund to provide 80 percent of the $135m needed for the project. This link road will run from Bo in Southern Sierra Leone through the Mano River bridge on to Kle junction in Liberia, a distance of 221.3km.

III. Also in the pipeline are plans for the development of the Mano River Basin. Feasibility studies have been completed for the project which will include the provision of 180 megawatts of hydroelectricity on the Mano River for Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the possible development of the Basin for irrigation, farming, fishing and tourism.

IV. In the area of communication, the original member states (Sierra Leone and Liberia) have already harmonized their postal arrangements.

Some measures have also been introduced to achieve standardization of regulations on driving licences, insurance, vehicle testing, etc.  The Union also played a leading role in the implementation of the PANAFTEL telephone link between Sierra Leone and Liberia. Plans are also on hand for the establishment of a Union airline to link the three states.

Agriculture

The Union has established co-operation among member states in the field of agriculture, especially in product marketing, and the fishing industry.

i. The policies, laws, grading systems, etc for product marketing are being harmonized and information on them is being exchanged.

ii. Fisheries development measures include a study of the commercial importance of shell fish resources on the continental shelf and the possibilities for joint deep-sea fishing activities and research.

Social Sector

The thrust of activities in the social sector is geared towards the development of the human resources of member states.

With the establishment of the union Telecommunications and Postal Training Institute in Freetown (Sierra Leone), the Union Forestry Training Institute in Bomi Hills (Liberia), the Union Marine Training Institute in Marshall (Liberia) and the Union Customs, Excise and Trade Statistics Programme in Monrovia (Liberia), middle-level training programmes have been established in the fields of telecommunications, forestry, marine and customs activities. The modalities for the unionization of the Guinea Fisheries Training Institute is currently being worked out.

 A curriculum planning, instructional materials production and book development projects is in its initial stage. The aim is to harmonise the curricula of the school systems in the member states and to produce books more cheaply. In addition, grants have been awarded via the Union for training at local universities to decrease the dependence on overseas institutions for certain fields of study.

Problems of Mano River Basin Commission

The following are problems facing the Mano River Basin Commission

1. Different Political backgrounds: The three member states have different political backgrounds emanating from their colonial past, e.g. Liberia has American influence, Sierra Leone has British influence, and Guinea has French influence.

They, therefore, find it difficult to cut-off links with their former colonial masters. However, the Union seems to have come to stay since even the toppling of President William Tolbert of Liberia in 1980 and the crisis of the closure of the borders between Liberia and Sierra Leone in February 1983, did nothing to disrupt the Union.

2. Different Currency systems: Some of the currencies are tied up with international currencies such as Liberia spending the Dollar and others with limited circulation within their economies only. This problem is however expected to be solved through the West African Clearing House.

3. Differences in legal systems: This makes it difficult to harmonise laws and regulations to effect a smooth running of the Union. The harmonization of trade and customs regulations and procedures of Liberia and Sierra Leone seeks to minimize this problem.

4. Possible destruction of some local industries: The siting of Union industries is likely to lead to the closure of local ones, particularly those not viable. This affects the local small-scale businessmen adversely. However, the total small-scale benefits to be derived from the Union industries will be enjoyed by all citizens of the member states. Local  businessmen can also shift to other areas which are more viable

5. Inadequate transport and communication links: This problem hinders the movement of goods and persons. The joint action in the provision of infrastructures is sure to take care of this problem.

6. Different levels of economic development in member states: The problem of some member states being more economically developed than others is an obstacle in the way of progress for the Union as a whole. The overall benefits to be enjoyed from the Union can bring such difference to a minimum.

7. Predominant reliance of member states on import duties as a major source of revenue: This makes trade liberalization difficult for some member states since this means a reduction in import duty revenue. The improvement and expansion of trade within the Union member countries are, however, expected to yield more profits to both governments and individual firms to replace the loss in revenue from import duties.