As Desperate Sellers Cry Out
Monrovia, Liberia – A wave of fury and despair is spreading through the popular Duala Market in Montserrado County as heaps of mismanaged waste continue to overtake the region, leaving market merchants worried for their health and their livelihoods.
During a recent visit by our reporter, sellers expressed serious concern about what they termed as “a worsening public health crisis” generated by the mounting dirt. According to them, the market has become nearly unrecognizable, with waste clogging pathways, leaking terrible scents, and attracting swarms of flies and parasites.
A food seller name “Fatu” said, “We are getting sick every day because of this dirt,” pointing to a heap of decomposing waste. We sell food here, but look at the condition we are forced to work in. It is shameful and dangerous.”
Another frustrated slipped seller added, “The garbage has taken over the entire market. We cannot breathe properly. Customers are afraid to come here. How are we supposed to survive like this?”
However, some vendors blamed the situation on prolonged neglect and a lack of regular waste collection in the area. Also, many said they fear outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other sanitation-related illnesses if nothing is done urgently.
In their collective plea, market sellers are calling on the government, particularly the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), to intervene swiftly and restore cleanliness to one of the county’s busiest commercial hubs.
“We are begging the MCC and the government to come to our rescue. If nothing is done soon, the sickness will only get worse,” a group of sellers urged.
As Duala Market continues to grapple with worsening sanitation, residents and business owners alike hope that authorities will respond before the festival and before the situation becomes an even greater health catastrophe.
Reported by: Prince Saah
