Marketers in Gbarnga, Bong County, have bid farewell to enduring the scorching sun while conducting business, thanks to the recent dedication of the Central Gbarnga Modern Market Building on Wednesday, June 19.
Previously, marketers faced challenges of conducting transactions under the hot sun and often contended with being chased away from their selling spots by property owners.
However, the completion of the new market building, constructed by the Government of Japan, has provided them with a spacious new business home capable of accommodating over 3,000 people, according to Julius K. Sele, Executive Director of the Liberian Agency for Community Empowerment.
The modern market structure features state-of-the-art toilet facilities and warehouses, enhancing both the convenience and operational efficiency for local traders.
At the official dedication ceremony, Mochizuki Hisanobu, Ambassador of Japan to Liberia, handed over the market to the Government of Liberia.
Ambassador Hisanobu emphasized that the construction of the market would alleviate the hardships faced by marketers in Gbarnga and surrounding areas of Bong County.
He underscored Japan’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s economic development through bilateral cooperation and reiterated Japan’s ongoing assistance across various sectors.
In attendance, Sahr Johnny, Economic Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, commended the Japanese Government for the transformative initiative.
He highlighted the market’s role in advancing President Boakai’s economic agenda and urged marketers to maintain cleanliness and maximize the facility’s benefits.
Julius Sele of LACE emphasized that the market project is part of Japan’s broader infrastructure development support in Liberia.
He underscored Japan’s significant contributions to Liberia’s development landscape and expressed gratitude for the enduring friendship between both nations.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Gabriel H. Salee also praised Japan’s contribution to Liberia’s development, emphasizing the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two countries.
Minister Salee encouraged marketers to utilize the new facilities effectively and underscored Liberia’s commitment to sustaining the positive impacts of Japan’s support.
Beyond the Gbarnga Central Market, Japan has also funded the construction of other market structures in Liberia, including the 14-Gobachev Market in Omega Community, Paynesville, and the Duala Market.
In a bid to bolster Liberia’s food security efforts, the Japanese Government recently donated US$1.5 million worth of rice aid under its 2022 Food Aid Program.
The donation, received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was aimed at addressing the country’s food demands, particularly for rice.
Ambassador Mochizuki Hisanobu highlighted that the rice donation exemplifies Japan’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s food assistance programs and underscored Japan’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity through infrastructure development, including rice mills.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Gabriel A. Salee acknowledged Japan’s multifaceted support to Liberia, extending beyond food assistance to encompass human resource capacity building, infrastructure development, and social responsibility initiatives such as market infrastructure projects.
Minister Salee expressed Liberia’s profound gratitude for Japan’s pivotal role in advancing its development goals and affirmed the government’s commitment to utilizing the rice donation effectively to benefit Liberians.
The Japanese Food Aid to Liberia began in 2008 during a period of food scarcity exacerbated by global rice price hikes. Since then, Japan has continued to support Liberia’s agricultural sector by establishing rice mill infrastructure and enhancing local rice production capabilities in Nimba, Lofa, Bong, and other regions.
The ongoing collaboration between Japan and Liberia underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual prosperity, fostering a strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.
As Liberia looks towards the future, negotiations are underway for additional initiatives under Japan’s development assistance framework, including the establishment of a Liberian wood workshop to further bolster economic growth and industrial capacity.
The dedication of the Gbarnga Central Market and the Japanese rice donation mark significant milestones in Japan-Liberia bilateral relations.
These initiatives not only address immediate economic and food security challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term sustainable development and prosperity in Liberia.
The partnership between Japan and Liberia continues to strengthen, driven by shared values and a mutual commitment to enhancing livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth across the country.
By: Willie N. Togbah/ Contributor
