By Patrick S. Tokpah
-BONG
The District Commissioner of Jorquelleh-2, District 2 in Bong County, David Karshue has unveiled a plan to construct a US$ 50,000 market center in the District.
The project, when completed, will serve as a commercial hub for vendors and connect traders from the three clans; Gbanshay, Morta, and Zeansue of Jorquelleh Electoral District 2 in the county.
According to Commissioner Karshue, the market center will help drive economic growth and promote local economic activities in the region, given its already dense population.
He further stated that the pending project seeks to serve as a relief for vendors who sometimes transport their commodities over long distances, particularly the city, for selling purposes that sometimes reduce profit due to prevailing circumstances they encounter.
The Bong County Electoral District 2 Commissioner disclosed that funding for the pending construction has been secured through the Social Development Fund, and the groundbreaking ceremony will commence this month.
He placed the estimated cost of the market project as little over US$ 50,000.00.
Given its strategic geographical location, the state-of-the-art market center will link petty traders from parts of Grand Bassa, Kokoyah Statutory District, and Electoral Districts 3 and 5 respectively.
He emphasized the challenges facing the district, but expressed optimism for the successful completion of the project, rallying inhabitants of the district to embrace the initiative amid their political affiliation.
He calls for a collaborative effort by local leaders of the district in the building process of District 2.
The commissioner said the move is in line with the County Development Agenda that was launched by the Development Planning Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs which is rooted in the Local Government Act of 2018, which seeks to decentralize decision-making and empower local administrators.
Furthermore, Karshue noted that the decision is further aligned with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a framework that seeks to foster development in all parts of Liberia
Commissioner Karshue made the disclosure in an interview with journalists in Foloblai, the District Headquarters in Bong County.
It can be recalled, that a projection of US$470,000 was made in the county Budget for FY 2024 by the county Council leadership for electoral District projects during the recent county council sitting.
According to insiders, the money has since been distributed among the seven electoral districts with each district social development fund accounting for US$50,000.
