ZONDO, Grand Bassa County – More than 6,000 residents in 43 towns and villages across Zondo Chiefdom are expected to benefit from a new community market being built through a partnership between the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) and Grand Bassa County District #5 Representative Thomas A. Goshua II. Backed by about US$45,000 worth of construction materials from LAC, the project is expected to boost trade, improve livelihoods, and reduce the long distances residents travel to buy and sell their goods.
The market, now under construction in New Zondo, will serve communities in Grand Bassa County and neighboring River Cess County. It is expected to become a major trading hub, complete with a warehouse, offices, and sanitation facilities.
According to local residents, the project fulfills a long-standing need for a local market and will make it easier for farmers and traders to do business closer to home.
Mondayma Weah, one of the beneficiaries, described the project as a dream come true.
“I want to thank LAC and Honorable Thomas Goshua for bringing this market to our community. May God continue to bless them,” she said.
The market superintendent Benedict Morgan, who spoke through his local Bassa language, said the new facility will end years of hardship for traders who traveled long distances to reach the nearest market.
“We used to walk long distances to reach the market. Now we will have a modern market in our own community. We appreciate Honorable Goshua and LAC for making this happen. We hope this partnership continues because we want to see more development here,” Morgan said through an interpreter.
Another resident, only identified as Madison, said the quantity of building materials supplied by LAC exceeded the community’s expectations.
“We received all the materials from LAC, and it was more than we expected. More than 6,000 people, including residents from River Cess, will benefit from this market. We hope to see it completed before the end of the year, and I am ready to volunteer my time to help,” Madison said.
Chief Murphy J. Doubia, development focal person for Zondo Chiefdom, said the market project emerged as one of the key priorities identified during a community development symposium supported by LAC.
“We approached LAC directly, and they responded to our request. They listened to our concerns and supported us. We are grateful and hope they will continue working with us as we develop our community,” Doubia said.
He also thanked the company for supporting the symposium with food, T-shirts, and other materials that contributed to its success.
Presenting the final batch of construction materials, Daniel Zoelu of LAC’s Human Resources Department said the company was fulfilling a commitment made after receiving a request from Representative Goshua.
“This is our final donation for the project. We hope the materials are used for the purpose intended so the people can benefit. We want to maintain a good relationship with the surrounding communities,” Zoelu said.
According to Zoelu, LAC contributed cement, roofing sheets, steel rods, and other building materials valued at about US$45,000. He added that the company is also rehabilitating roads linking Zondo and nearby communities to improve access to schools, health facilities, and markets.
Mac-Arthur D. Gbardyu, Administrative Assistant in Representative Goshua’s office, said the market project reflects renewed cooperation between the community and the company.
“There were misunderstandings between the community and LAC in the past, but the Representative worked to bring both sides together. LAC provided about US$45,000 worth of materials, while the Representative’s office will cover the remaining cost of the project,” Dennis said.
He said the completed market will feature a warehouse, offices, and sanitation facilities, creating a modern trading center for residents of Grand Bassa and River Cess counties.
LAC Community Engagement Coordinator Morris Saah said regular engagement with host communities has helped strengthen trust and improve collaboration.
“At first, it was difficult for people to trust us. Through regular engagement, we have built better relationships and continue to work with communities to address their needs,” Morrissa said.
Residents believe the market will improve access to buyers, expand business opportunities for farmers and traders, and stimulate economic activity across the region.
The project also marks a growing partnership between LAC, local leaders, and surrounding communities aimed at supporting long-term development in Zondo Chiefdom.
