New Central Market for Gbarnga

The Sirleaf Market Women Fund has broken grounds for the construction of a modern market center in Gbarnga, Bong County at the cost of US$500,000.00.

The construction of the market comes after several requests by officials of the marketing association, as well as some Bong County lawmakers and the office of the superintendent, emphasizing the urgent need for the relocation of the Gbarnga Central Market located in the heart of the city.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony last weekend, the Executive Director of Sirleaf Market Women Fund, Mrs. Margareta Sawo-Smith commended authorities of Bong County for their cooperation and interest for the project in the County, noting that when the project is done, it would give relief to eager market women in the county, especially in the capital Gbarnga, who have struggled for a long time to have access conducive business environment. The Fund’s Executive Director recommitted her institution to supporting market women who are capacitating themselves through their business activities.

She described the construction of the market as a ‘big boost’ for the people of Bong County. In remarks, Superintendent Selena Posen-Mappy commended the Sirleaf Women Market Fund for chosing Bong County, appealing to citizens of the county to put aside politics and think about developing the County.

Mrs. Mappy described the market project as another testimony of how President Sirleaf continues to see the empowerment of women as something positively consequential in the rebuilding process of the post-war Liberia.

The Bong County Superintendent urged citizens to see the project as theirs and not to connive with contractors in engaging in trading materials that should be used for the construction of the market. When completed, the market will include storage facilities, school for the children of the marketers and a mini-health center.

The first phase of the project, which is the construction of the market hall, is expected to last for five months. The project is under the sponsorship of the United Nations Women.

The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by an array of Bong County officials, including senator Jewel Howard-Taylor, Representative Prince Moye, as well as a representative from the UN women.

A number of market women gathered at the ground-breaking site, dancing and singing songs of praises to God for the project. The current location of the Gbarnga Market is a major concern to many residents of Gbarnga as they continue to blame the marketers for the huge garbage in the city.