By Stephen N. Tokpah
-Bong (freelance)
Authorities of Bong County have finally set December 6, 2024, as the deadline for relocating merchants or vendors from the old Gbarnga Central Market to the Sunday Market in Bassa Community, Gbarnga City.
The decision was finalized during a meeting chaired by Senator Prince Kermue Moye, Chairman of the Bong Legislative Caucus on November 30, 2024.
Senator Moye clarified that his earlier decision to allow marketers to return to the old market after its demolition in July 2024 was a temporary measure to maintain peace, not to undermine local authorities.
He reaffirmed his support for the county leadership and stressed the importance of unity.
Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Varpilah and Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) Bong Chapter President Madam Tumu Allen assured that Sunday Market is ready to accommodate all vendors, with new structures built for those at the bypass.
However, bypass vendors’ leader Madam Hajah Swaray expressed concerns about the market’s readiness, citing inadequate warehouse space, structural cracks, and poorly placed toilets, which she argued compromised safety and functionality.
In response, Senator Moye, Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, and other officials left the meeting to conduct a site inspection at Sunday Market to verify the progress firsthand.
The officials were pleased with the developments but recommended clearing the garbage at the back of the market building, improving the bathroom facilities, and securing the warehouses before the relocation.
The City Mayor and LMA committed to completing these tasks within three days, beginning Monday, December 2, with a final inspection set for December 5.
Despite requests from the bypass vendors and the Muslim community to delay the move until after the Christmas season, citing financial obligations, Senator Moye rejected the postponement, arguing that relocating before the festive season would attract more customers and stabilize business.
Tensions rose after the meeting, with the old market vendors blocking the entrance to the Gbarnga Administrative Building, chanting, “We want our bypass at the old market!”
Senator Moye and other officials who attended the meeting were forced to exit through gate #2 of the Gbarnga Administrative building.
The county leadership remains firm, insisting that all bypass or old market vendors relocate to Sirleaf’s Market and Sunday Market as planned.
According to Aaron Juaqullie, 555 vendors have been registered and issued security tickets for the move, with only table vendors included.
A survey indicates that Sunday Market can accommodate over 1,000 vendors.
The conflict began on July 28, 2024, when the Gbarnga City Corporation, led by Mayor Varpilah, demolished the old market after Sirleaf’s Market was completed.
The demolition sparked protests over space concerns, leading Senator Moye to temporarily allow vendors to continue selling at the old market, resulting in empty spaces and reduced buying at Sirleaf’s Market.
This controversy comes after local authorities, including the Superintendent and the Office of the Mayor of Gbarnga, along with the Liberia Marketing Superintendent, announced in June that the newly constructed Gbarnga Central Market would become operational by the end of August.
Although the market was officially dedicated on June 19, 2024, its opening to the public was delayed due to technical issues, leading Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who oversees markets nationwide, to request an extension.
The November 30, 2024, meeting was attended by Attorney Jonathan Flomo, leadership from the Islam Community, Bong County Christian Association, Civil Society organizations, Youth groups, Superintendent Norris, Senator Moye, among others.
