As Liberia gears up to celebrate its 177th Independence Day on July 26, a significant downturn in economic activity is being observed across the country, raising concerns among local businesses and residents.
Traditionally, this period is marked by bustling markets and vibrant celebrations as Liberians join their families and friends to commemorate their nation’s independence. However, this year, the atmosphere is notably subdued.
The Liberian government, in recognizing the importance of this national holiday, has always encouraged widespread celebrations, which typically provide a substantial boost to the economy.
The days leading up to Independence Day usually see a surge in consumer spending, particularly in the capital city of Monrovia and other major urban centers.
This economic upswing is driven by increased purchases of food, clothing, and various other goods as people prepare for the festivities.
Contrary to expectations, Monrovia is currently witnessing a sluggish pace of economic activity.
The situation is mirrored across the country, including in the capital cities of Liberia’s counties.
Kakata, a densely populated city near Monrovia, serves as a telling example of this economic downturn.
Verity News dispatched a team to Kakata to capture the sentiments of local market vendors. Interviews conducted at Kakata General Market, Via Town Market, and VIP Market revealed a troubling trend: vendors are experiencing a significant drop in customer turnout. This decline is causing alarm among market operators who depend on this period to bolster their incomes.
Kakata’s economy relies heavily on a few key employers, with Firestone being the most prominent.
The company’s shift toward outsourcing operations to contractors has resulted in less stable employment for many part-time workers.
Additionally, labor disputes at several rubber companies, including Firestone, Salala Rubber Corporation, and Morris American Rubber Corporation, have exacerbated the economic challenges.
The recent indefinite shutdown of Salala Rubber Corporation alone led to over 1,000 job losses, further straining the local economy.
As Independence Day approaches, the concerns of Kakata’s market vendors highlight the broader economic struggles facing the region. With limited employment opportunities, the need for diverse and stable economic development has never been more critical.
In interviews with Verity News, several vendors shared their struggles. Tenneh Nabah, a vendor at Kakata General Market, emphasized the importance of daily sales for her family’s sustenance.
“We rely heavily on the sales of our goods to meet our daily needs,” she said. “The drop in customers is very worrying, especially during a time when we expect more business due to the upcoming celebrations.”
John Dumba, another vendor at Via Town Market, echoed these sentiments. “The economy is tough, and people are not spending as they used to. We hope that as the day draws nearer, more customers will come out to support us,” he noted.
Local authorities and market associations are keenly aware of the situation and are urging community members to support local businesses.
A spokesperson from the Kakata Market Association stated, “Our marketers play a vital role in the local economy. We urge everyone to buy local and help our vendors during this important time.”
Despite the challenges, the vendors remain hopeful that Independence Day will bring a turnaround.
They are preparing for an expected influx of customers by stocking up on goods and ensuring their stalls are ready to cater to the community’s needs.
As Liberia prepares to commemorate its independence, the situation in Kakata’s markets serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of community support and economic stability.
The resilience and optimism of these local vendors underscore their critical role in sustaining the local economy, even in challenging times.
By: Joekai Yango/ Contributor
