By Charles Gbayor, maorethason1997@gmail.com
PLEEBO, Liberia- Citizens are overwhelmed of the newly constructed modern market facility in the commercial Capital of Maryland County, Pleebo, over 611 kilometers southeast of Monrovia, and it is expected to boost trade in this area.
The US$430,424.88 market project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Smallholders Agriculture Productivity Enhancement and Commercialization (SAPEC) project, in partnership with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).
The contractor, JusMart Engineers recently completed and turned over to the local government, the biggest business hub ever to be constructed in Maryland.
It can be recalled that Maryland County assistant superintendent for development, Robin Scott in May 2019 led array of local government officials, representatives of nongovernmental organizations and civil society actors for the ground breaking of the regional commercial hub to be constructed in the County .
The newly completed large Market structure is among several other development projects that were earmarked to be dedicated by President George Manneh Weah during his counties tour, but was postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The Liberian leader was also expected to dedicate 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 16 KM asphalt paved roads constructed by the China Railway No.5 Engineering Company with funding from the African Development Bank.
The huge structure contains storage facilities, toilets, playground for children, water facilities, offices including numerous stalls for food crops and dry goods. It also includes 52 stores at its second floor for quality goods among others.
This facility is centrally locate for commercial point activities, which will serve the people of Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee and neighbouring Ivory Coast.
In an interview with www.newspublictrust.com, Mr. MacDonald Mansah, a Resident of Pleebo said: “This is the first in the history of Pleebo, Maryland County and the entire South Eastern Region. I’m very happy to see this market building in my district.”
For her part, Maryland County’s Coordinator for Women In Peace building Network (WIPNET), Madam Joan Taylor described the hub as a relief to Marylanders.
But she called on the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) to properly maintain the building.
Madam Taylor believes that if the building is properly maintained, it will help increase its life span.
In a joyous mood, a resident of the Zone 5 Moses W. Wallace, Jr. told www.newspublictrust.com in Pleebo: “I am very happy to be alive and see such a huge structure to benefit our children. I want to say a big thanks to President Weah, his government and all those who helping the government to develop our country Liberia.”