Marketers at the newly established Sirleaf Market in Gbarnga, Bong County, have threatened to carry out sustained protest actions against the county administration.
They said local authorities have failed to relocate sellers who continue to operate in the old Gbarnga Central Market, which was officially demolished earlier this year by the Gbarnga City Corporation.
The marketers said their relocation to the Sirleaf Market has severely impacted their sales, leaving many families in financial hardship, as customers prefer the old market situated in the heart of Gbarnga, which continues to attract more buyers despite its official closure.
As a result, some marketers who initially moved to the Sirleaf Market following the demolition have returned to the remains of the old market to resume selling, leaving several spaces at the new site empty.
On July 28, 2024, the Gbarnga City Corporation, under Mayor Gallah Varpilah, demolished the old Gbarnga Central Market after completing the Sirleaf Market, designated as the new central trading hub.
The demolition triggered protests, with marketers blocking the Gbarnga-Monrovia road to demand better arrangements. Senator Prince Moye intervened, instructing that marketers without space at the Sirleaf Market could temporarily return to the old market. This decision faced criticism, with allegations that it undermined Mayor Varpilah’s authority.
Some political observers accused Senator Moye of overturning the city mayor’s directive to relocate all marketers to the Sirleaf Market.
While some marketers argued that the Sirleaf Market was too small to accommodate everyone, others noted that many spaces remain unused as sellers opt to operate in the old market.
To address the ongoing tension, Bong County authorities, through the office of Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, established an ad hoc committee to oversee the relocation process.
Committee Chair Mayor Varpilah and Secretary Mr. Aaron G.V. Juaqullie announced in October that the remaining marketers in the old market and along the bypass would be moved to the Sunday Market by October 25, 2024.
However, the relocation has yet to occur, and some marketers have publicly refused to move to the Sunday Market.
Mayor Varpilah described their resistance as a challenge to county authorities, vowing decisive action once construction at the Sunday Market is completed. He promised that no marketer would be allowed to defy the relocation directive.
Meanwhile, marketers at the Sirleaf Market have issued an ultimatum to Bong County authorities, demanding full enforcement of the relocation by Saturday, November 30, 2024.
They warned that failure to act would result in a huge protest, during which they plan to return to Broad Street and the old market to sell their goods ahead of the holiday season.
The aggrieved marketers expressed frustration over the situation, citing that many of their children are out of school due to financial difficulties caused by the decline in business.
The marketers are calling on Superintendent Norris and the Bong County Legislative Caucus to intervene and resolve the issue. Speaking to journalists on Monday, November 25, 2024, they emphasized the urgency of the matter, particularly as the festive season approaches.
Construction work at the Sunday Market is reportedly ongoing in preparation for the relocation exercise.
Authorities hope to finalize the project soon and ensure compliance with the relocation directive to prevent further disruptions.
All eyes are now on Bong County authorities as the deadline approaches, with hopes of averting a potential protest and resolving the long-standing market dispute. Courtesy By Edwin D. Khakie
