The United States Government through its Federal Assistance with implementation from Buutay K. Buu is currently constructing a modern market facility for over 3,440 women in Zor Gabarplay, Nimba County.
The new market is designed to meet the specific needs of rural women vendors, providing a safe and organized space where they can sell their goods, grow their businesses, and connect with customers.
By addressing the lack of proper infrastructure in rural Liberia, the project will enable women to work in a supportive environment, strengthening their financial independence and improving household incomes.
This initiative, funded through the U.S. Federal Assistance, is focused on building a modern market to empower rural women, boost incomes, and drive local economic growth.
Over the weekend, Mr. Buutay K. Buu and his team visited the county in an effort to conduct an assessment. During the visitation, the rural market women welcomed Buu and his entourage with open arms and traditional display through singing of native songs, throwing of locally produced rice and spreading of wrappers in appreciation for the U.S’ assistance.
Buu expressed appreciation to the U.S for the assistance to address the market challenge confronting rural women, while urging collaborative efforts for change.
He said the market isn’t just a place for buying and selling, rather it represents dignity, economic empowerment and a brighter future for the women and families of Zor Gbarplay, seeing the market construction as a step toward prosperity.
“This project is made possible by the U.S government. I want us to thank the US Federal Assistance and the support of Ambassador Mark Toner, who has championed grassroots development in Liberia. His commitment to sustainable projects like this one is helping to create opportunities for underserved communities and paving the way for long-term growth,” he said.
Buu said that with the construction well underway, the market is set to become a cornerstone of empowerment and economic development in Zor Gbarplay and will give 3,440 beneficiaries the tools needed to make meaningful contributions to their community while improving their livelihoods.
“This is about building more than just a structure. It’s about laying the foundation for lasting growth and prosperity. The project highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing global challenges at a local level. It serves as a reminder that when communities and partners come together, they can create meaningful, sustainable change,” he said.
For their part, the Rural Marketers Women’s Chairperson, Madam Ruth Dopoh, expressed gratitude to the U.S government through its Embassy in Monrovia for the intervention, while describing Mr. Buu as a visionary leader and implementer.
Madam Dope said that for many years, they have been engaged in local and cross-border trading, But, the major threat to their economic growth and existence had been the construction of a market structure to provide them shelter and preservation.
“Most times we walk under hot sun in the streets to sell. But when we come, we have nowhere to shelter and so, we will just gather here. But thanks to God for using the U.S government to help us with this place and now our goods won’t get damaged and we won’t just get sick like that any longer,” she said.
However, she said the current issue confronting them is the lack of training in business management, technical vocational skills and funding to improve their businesses.
By Prince Saah
