EDWARD H. STEMN
Africa-Press – Liberia. When the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2019 invested a little over US$158k to construct a transborder trade facility in Pedebo, Maryland County, it anticipated that the facility would increase trade and cooperation among residents of communities along the Liberian-Ivorian border.
But four years on, the facility, which was constructed under the Mano River Road Transport Facilitation Program, now lies abandoned as it is no longer being used by the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) or residents of the host communities.
The market contains several stalls for dry goods sellers, a hand pump, storage, and two sets of flushing toilets with a water supply system. It was also meant to revitalize the local economy and provide a platform for small businesses to thrive, stakeholders said.
“This market facility has been abandoned due to its failure to attract vendors and customers,” said a local official who requested anonymity. “The lack of interest and participation from the local community has resulted in a deserted and unproductive space.”
“This has not only wasted the financial resources allocated to the project but has also hindered the economic growth and development of the area,” he said.
The official blamed the abandonment on the lack of productivity and engagement from the citizens.
However, the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) Maryland County General Superintendent, Abraham C. Wilson, disagreed and blamed the dormancy on the lack of cooperation from his Ivorian counterpart.
According to Wilson, the Ivorians have refused to rotate days on both sides of the border. He also said the situation is due to the inability of residents living in the surrounding communities to grow the necessary products to attract buyers.
“Our people who live around the border, for whom the market was built, do not actually have produce to take to the market for people leaving from Pleebo, Harper, and other areas to buy.
“The people said their soil can only grow sugar cane, and you know those from the Ivory Coast will not want to cross the river only to buy cane juice,” he added.
Wilson claimed that while he has been working with the county superintendent’s office to design plans and strategies to make the market functional, those who live around the market seem to have no interest in the building.
“The LMA and the local authorities need to assess the reasons behind the market’s failure and take appropriate measures to address the issues.
“This may involve conducting a thorough evaluation of the project’s planning and execution, as well as engaging with the local community to understand their needs and concerns,” Wilson said.
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