BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2007

Benin has long been a strategic trading center, linking a number of landlocked West African countries with Nigeria, Europe and the Americas. Currently, 90 percent of its commercial exchanges with the world are done by sea. Benin's principal port is located in Cotonou (population 1,200,000), the country's largest city as well as its economic center. Situated along the Gulf of Guinea, the Port of Cotonou is one of the largest in West Africa. However, the port has become increasingly congested and its efficiency is declining, leading to excessive demurrage charges.

The MCC and the Republic of Benin have entered into a compact to advance economic growth and reduce poverty in the country. An important component of the compact is modernizing the Port of Cotonou. The Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC), a government-owned agency responsible for managing and operating the port, is undertaking the development program consisting of a variety of operational and physical improvements. The program will include the planning and design of port infrastructure, including landside and waterside construction to increase capacity, such as a wharf on the south side of the basin, two new container berths, a 300-meter container storage yard, improvements to the existing North Wharf to accommodate the use of rail-mounted gantries, port access gates and improved electrical systems; the procurement of modern equipment to increase capacity and enhance security, safety and health, including the installation of radio communication, video surveillance, safety and pollution prevention equipment; and port staff training.

The Berger Group was retained by MCA-Benin to serve as procurement agent and fiscal agent for the $307 million MCC program. As procurement agent, Berger is managing the acquisition of a broad range of goods, works and services needed to implement the proposed improvements. The Team will prepare TORs, bid documents and short-lists; select consultants/contractors; and prepare project contracts. As fiscal agent, Berger is assisting in the preparation of budgets and detailed financial plans; establishing accounting controls, vendor, construction and contractor cash disbursements; and preparing and reviewing financial reports.