Harbel, Margibi County – Local vendors at the Harbel General Market are expressing deep frustration over declining customer turnout, attributing the situation to high U.S. dollar exchange rates and widespread unemployment in the country.
Speaking to Verity News on Monday, several market women described the economic hardship they face daily. Many said they struggle to make enough sales to support their families, and competition among sellers has intensified as more people turn to petty trade due to the lack of formal employment.
“When one customer enters this market kitchen, we all rush to them just to sell something, so we can take something home for our children,” said Oretha, a vendor who sells dried goods. “The market is too hard, my brother.”
Another vendor, Hawa Boakai, who deals in building materials, echoed Oretha’s concerns.
“There’s no job, and the U.S. rate is too high. Almost everyone is selling now because there are no other jobs. Even the few who are working complain about low salaries,” she said.
The vendors believe that the number of sellers in the market has grown far beyond the number of buyers, further compounding their struggles.
In a related matter, the vendors are also calling on the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) to address what they describe as poor conditions at the Harbel market kitchens. Despite paying dues to the LMA, they say little is being done to improve their selling environment.
“We’re cold every day because the roofs are leaking badly. We pay our dues but get nothing in return,” said Sarah Monkpah, another vendor. “Right now, I’m wet and cold. But I can’t leave because who will feed my children?”
The marketers are appealing to the LMA and relevant authorities to take swift action to rehabilitate the market infrastructure and provide much-needed support to struggling vendors.
