By Stephen N. Tokpah
(Freelancer)
Marketers Bong County are confused at the moment, whether to stay at the old Gbarnga Central Market or move to the Sirleaf Market in
Bong County
Reports say Senator Prince Moye has allegedly undermined the Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Varpliah and Superintendent Hawa Norris’ efforts regarding the removal of market vendors from the Gbarnga Central Market.
Following the demolition of the old Gbarnga Central Market by the Gbarnga City Cooperation on July 28, 2024, requesting marketers to move at the newly constructed Sirleaf Market, it is rumored that Bong County Senator Moye on July 29, 2024, instructed the marketers to return to the old market following a massive protest by marketers in the county.
In June, the Superintendent and the Office of the Mayor of Gbarnga as.well as the Liberia Marketing Superintendent disclosed that the newly dedicated Gbarnga Central Market would.have become operational in the latter part of August.
Though officially dedicated on June 19, 2024, and should have been opened, the local authorities deferred its official opening to the public due to some technical issues that prompted Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who supervises markets across the country, to request an extension.
The new market should have been officially operational after July 29, 2024, based on the request from the Vice President, according to a statement from the office of the Superintendent.
The state-of-the-art new market, constructed with funding from the Government of Japan, aims to boost economic growth and support local entrepreneurs in the region.
It will also provide a conducive environment for traders and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services; promoting economic activities and enhancing growth of small businesses.
After demolishing the old market on Sunday July 28 2024 by the City Cooperation, marketers took to the streets of Gbarnga on Monday, refusing to move at the Sirleaf Market on grounds that spots were not available amongst several other amenities.
During the protest, Senator Moye arrived and told the marketers to return to the old market and provided a hundred bundle of zinc, 10 cartoons of zinc nail, and LD 300, 000 as workmanship; defying the order of the local authority.
“Until the City Mayor and Marketing Association can tell us what they want to build here and for all of us to agree as county officials, the marketers will continue to use this place until December of this year,” Senator Moye added.
“I’m told that the Mayor wants to remove people from the Sunday Market area in the Bassa Community, why are they doing that?, Senator Moye asked.
He said Gbarnga is so big to have one market ground or place in the county, adding that there’s a need for more market spaces.
The Bong County lawmaker further revealed that he will not sit and allow the opposition to score a political goal on him in his government.
Recently, Bong County Electoral District 3 Representative , Marvin Cole told a group of market women, that they should not leave the old market spot on grounds that he will provide the needed support to keep them there.
Representative J. Marvin Cole didn’t provide details regarding his support to the downtrodden marketers to remain at the Old Gbarnga Central Market, instead of them moving to the new market building in the county..
Meanwhile, the current Liberia Marketing Superintendent Tumu Allen has been suspended over an allegation of corruption in the county.
