PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – To mitigate congestion and enhance free movement in the commercial district of Redlight, the Paynesville City Corporation has once again attempted to remove street marketers from the corridor.
In the early morning of August 1, street sellers in Redlight awoke to a massive presence of police officers that prevented them from spreading their goods at their usual spots in the streets.
The city police officers were working with the Liberia National Police to provide boundaries for sellers and motorists, clearing the main streets for a smooth traffic flow.
Payneville’s police commander, Lt. Melvin Tolbert, said the marketers had since been informed to relocate to Omega’s 14th Gobachop market along the Monrovia − Kakata highway.
Tolbert emphasized the importance of keeping Redlight clean and beautiful at all times, as it is a transit point for travelers going and coming from the counties.
“This time around, we will make sure they all leave, and we are committed to this exercise. All they need to do is to comply and help us keep this place clean and beautiful,” he said.
Paynesville recently succeeded in removing street sellers and commercial drivers from the ELWA Junction, where a new roundabout has been unveiled.
However, the recent attempt was the city’s second attempt to remove street sellers from Redlight. The first attempt did not materialize, as the traders soon returned after they were removed.
They complained that the new market structure did not have enough space to host the entire population from Redlight and that they had nowhere to sell. With that, the government under former President George Weah constructed a new market structure. However, most traders refused to relocate to Omega, leaving the space empty. Instead, they trooped into the streets of Redlight.
During a visit to the new market structures in Omega, The Bush Chicken found that traders did not occupy some of the facilities. Instead, the facilities were occupied by young men commonly referred to as ‘zogos,’ at-risk youth who often abuse drugs and engage in petty crimes.
Jallah Makeeva, superintendent of the 14th Omega Market, welcomed the city’s new effort to remove sellers from Redlight.
Makeeva said previous efforts had been fruitless, and the flooding of traders on the streets undermined sales at the new market.
“This very PCC did the relocation, and some of us are here,” he said. “My plea to them is that this time they will make sure the enforcement remains and implemented fully.”
Abandoned market tables at the 14th Omega Market. Photo: George K. Momo
He believes the new effort can only be achieved if city police officers maintain their presence. The superintendent said Omega had adequate space to host all street sellers in Redlight.
“I am encouraging these businessmen and women to see reason to return to the markets,” he said. “Once all sellers are seated in the market, the customers will be left with no alternative but to visit the markets for shopping.”
Sarah Obaye, a dry-fish seller in 14th Goachop Market, said her sales were affected by those selling in the streets. She believes that Omega will become a truly competitive market if the city succeeds in its latest efforts.
“They need to come for us to sell here and develop this place,” Obaye said. “Selling on that street is even risky to their own lives because there are cars moving on the street. Here, we are safe and do not experience cars running here.”
David Z. Mulbah, another marketer in Omega challenged the city government to remain consistent in removing street sellers from Redlight.
“Until they can get officers that are not coming with corrupt minds, we will still see people selling in Red Light. This process needs to be handled without fear nor favor,” Mulbah said.
For now, the city is succeeding in its efforts to clear Redlight. However, only time will tell whether this effort will last.
Featured photo courtesy of George K Momo
