Despite the launch of major roadworks projects linking Bloléquin and Zouan-Hounien, the town of Toulépleu faces a bitter reality: its urban road network will only benefit from a single kilometer of paved road. The announcement was made this Tuesday, February 10, 2026, during a crisis meeting at the prefecture.

A meeting marked by disappointment

The meeting, chaired by Prefect Bini Koffi Étienne , brought together key stakeholders from the region: representatives from AGEROUTE (the road agency), the LRA company, Mayor Denis Kah Zion, as well as traditional chiefs and community leaders. While the agenda focused on the progress of the works, it was the urban road quota that sparked the tensions.

Current status: The construction is progressing, but...

The overall project, costing 43 billion FCFA , is progressing. LRA, the company that took over after OUAR withdrew, is currently working in the village of Katouo. According to the technicians:

1. Remaining time: Approximately 12 months of work.
2. Route: The road comes from Zouan-Hounien, via Bin-Houyé.
3. The point of contention: The asphalt will stop at the sub-prefecture, covering only one kilometer to the "crossroads 116", with a possible, but uncertain, extension towards the "Carrefour Bonheur" roundabout.

A feeling of territorial injustice

This announcement sparked strong emotions among residents and elected officials. For a departmental capital of Toulépleu's importance, expectations were understandably higher:

1. The usual standard: County towns generally benefit from 6 km of roads.
2. The comparison: Even some neighbouring sub-prefectures have obtained up to 3 km .
3. The absence of the Bloléquin axis: The second major project (Bloléquin–Pékan-Barrages) does not, for its part, foresee any urban paving for the city.

"As a border town and strategic crossroads towards Liberia, Toulépleu risks remaining a dusty town despite the passage of two national highways."

What hope is there for the future?

Currently, the urban road network in Toulépleu remains largely unpaved. To obtain an extension of this road network, local authorities will have to initiate new direct negotiations with the government and relevant bodies to correct what many already consider a planning anomaly.