African Development Bank: Through the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Commercialization project in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Liberia finished off the Edifice of a Contemporary Market in Pleebo Sodoken District

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- JusMart Engineers, the contractor formerly keeled over the just erected building to local government authorities, rendering it the largest traffic intersection ever to be built in Maryland County – Electoral District 2, South East in Pleebo Sodoken District.

According to marketers intimated to the press that, the construction of the market building them, preliminary to the project, they had been trading in a makeshift systems in heavy downpour. Nonetheless, since they strode in the recently established market building, the business environment has changed, encouraging more buyers to buy their goods. In May 2019, Maryland County Assistant Superintendent for Development Robin Scott, carried a display of local officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations and civil society actors to break ground for the regional commercial hub, which is among several development projects that, were devoted before for dedication by President George Manneh Weah in a nationwide excursion, but was suspended due to the Coronavirus outburst in the country.

President Weah was also anticipated to commit phase one of the Harper-Fish Town Road Project (Harper to Karloken 50KM) and the Hardwood (One Two- One Two) junction to the Liberian-Ivorian Pedebo border – a 16Km asphalt paved roads constructed by the China Railway No.5 Engineering Company with grant from the African Development Bank. The modern market structure comprises depository facilities, toilets, play ground for children, running water, offices, incorporating various booths for food crops and dry goods, as well as fifty-two marts on its second floor. It struts as a prominent saleable point for the people of Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee and neighboring Ivory Coast.

Moreover, a marketer and citizen of Pleebo – Martha Weah, divulged that, since the market was finished and keel over for use by local authorities, it has provoked a cumulative modifications in marketers’ lives, as a result of the buildings inside the building. Madam Weah that has no connection to President Weah asserted, though it was very saddened initially when they were told to quit their diverse selling places to give way for the project, today they are happy.

Theresa Toe, another business woman, welcomed the modern market building, but called on the government to pave roads leading to the South East to spawn access. She sobbed that, transportation problem due to bad roads in the region is alarming and wishes to be dealt with. Madam Toe revealed that, she spent about 25,000 Liberian Dollars on transportation from Maryland County to Monrovia to get goods, but sometimes these goods withered while end route due to the road condition.

“Let me say thanks to President Weah, for being good to us; we pray that God will continue to bless him and give him wisdom to lead the Liberian people”, she let out.

Market superintendent Paul K. Simpson, applauded the Weah government for such a unique market project in the county.

“As you see for yourself, marketers are selling comfortably, no embarrassment, they are pleased, no confusion; it should tell you that all is well with us as market heads.”

The Pleebo general market superintendent yet, remarked the market building has not been formally turned over by President Weah, marketers were being allowed temporarily to move in and sell, pending official devotion of the building to the people of Maryland County. President George Weah over the weekend dedicated the 14 Gobarchop Market in VOA community, Paynesville and subsequently broke grounds early this week, for a modern Duala Market on Bushrod Island. Both projects are under the auspices of the Government of Liberia with assistance from the Government of Japan.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent

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