President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has officially turned over to the leadership of the old Ma Juah market a newly renovated premise that previously hosted the Liberia Tractor Company (LIBTRACO).
Ma Juah marketers temporarily used a spot in Vai Town near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge that connects Monrovia to Bushrod Island.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader admitted that it took a long time to secure a new, secured and long term site but was delighted that this is finally resolved.
“For close to eight years we had problem finding that would be really suitable to accommodate the large number of people and to give them a place where they could do their marketing with some comfort, space and facilities including water, latrines,” she said, adding, “We had to make sure when we move the marketers, we move them into a better place.”
She praised the collaboration of all those who worked the Ministry of State to make the relocation a success noting that as a result of all of them working together as a team with a very strong commitment, today she can say that her promise has been fulfilled. “I’m so glad that we finally did it,” she said.
President Sirleaf thanked owners of the property for ageing to a long term deal with the government, promising to make the first buy as soon as the marketers have completed their relocation and begin to use the facilities.
In separate remarks earlier, the Monrovia city mayor, Mrs. Clara Doe Mvogo, president of the Liberia Marketing Association, Mrs. Lusu Sloan, and the supervisor of the Ma Juah Market, Dad Sumo Wonkulah thanked President Sirleaf for the sponsoring the initiative and were very appreciative of the new premises.
They said that it had taken eight years for the deal to be sealed but was happy that it finally became a reality.
The building was turned over to President Sirleaf by the head of finance and administration of the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Company, Albert Saingbe.