Projects

Nancy B. Doe Market Even in a city under massive re-construction like Monrovia, it is hard to miss the action at the Nancy B. Doe Market in Jorkpen Town. A huge three-story building, it occupies land the width of approximately two city blocks, making it one of the largest markets in the city. Once a model urban market and an emerging commercial and trade hub, Liberia's fourteen year civil war severely damaged both the market's physical structure and the economic activities within it. After the war, to the extent that the market women needed somewhere safe and non-hazardous to conduct their business, the three-story building was no longer appropriate. It was severely run down, provided no shelter from the weather and a large section of the second floor was threatening to collapse. Additionally, the market was missing key facilities needed for trading. There were no storage facilities to speak of and since stalls were non-existent, the women were forced sell their goods from the floor. The latrine system was destroyed, there was no trash collection or disposal system to speak of and the third floor, initially reserved as a venue where women could establish a day care for their children, had been dubiously leased out to a third party school that made the women pay for childcare services. In short, every aspect of the concept of "good work" put forth by the International Labour Organization was being violated. In honor of its vision and purpose, the SMWF commissioned a total reconstruction of the market and has found tremendous success in its first project. The building is now structurally sound and safe for use and an outdoor enclave has been transformed into a beautiful playground/garden space for children. SMWF has also installed stalls within the market, and made provisions for water, toilet, storage and electricity facilities. In addition to these physical improvements, the SMWF is creating adult education, financial resources, and child support programs centered on empowering market women and their families.

From the January-June 2008 Field Report:

After the dedication of the Nancy B. Doe Market by the President, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the marketers said they needed a concrete fence around the market to make it safe and secure for them, their products and goods, and their children. The marketers also requested construction of an annex to the main market building to accommodate the growing number of market women. The fence work commenced on December 18, 2007 and was completed on May 15, 2008 while the extension work commenced on June 2, 2008, and was dedicated on August 11, 2008 by President Sirleaf, to benefit a total of 1,000 market women.

The construction of the Barnersville Market necessitated the eviction of squatters from the area surrounding the market to make way for the construction of a fence around the facility. The number of marketers has grown to 450 women due to the positive developments at the market, thereby prompting the board of the SMWF to take a decision for the construction of an annex to be part of the dedication.

The Zogolemai Market project was an initiative of four communities in Lofa. Funding for construction was provided by the SMWF while the community contributed labour and local materials. The communities came together and successfully completed the project used by 900 marketers in early June.

The Gbarpolu market project, which began in December 2007 has finally been completed and turned over to SMWF by the contractor. The delay in completing the project was due to the acute shortage of cement during the period. About 1,000 marketers benefit from the Gbarpolu market project.

The Paynesville Market project was completed and inspected by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW). However, due to the heavy downpour of rain, the MPW advised SMWF to construct a dwarf fence and drainage to avoid erosion in the area. The fence was completed on the 5th of August, and the market was dedicated on August 11, 2008, by the President. The Paynesville market benefits around 1,500 marketers.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid a visit in early May to the Duala Market after the MPW carried out a massive demolition exercise of illegal structures in the area. As a result, SMWF constructed an annex to the market to accommodate some of the marketers that the existing market could not accommodate. On May 26, 2008, SMWF signed a contract with LICA, Inc., to construct an extension to the Duala market. The work was completed in early August and the market was dedicated on August 11, 2008, by Her Excellency.

On June 4, 2007, the Fund signed a formal contract with the B&B Construction Company for the renovation of Zwedru Central Market. The renovation started on June 6, 2007 and was completed on July 4, 2007. The Zwedru Market has an estimated market population of 600.

Construction at the Saclepea Market has been partly completed and will provide toilets, storage facility, potable water and a cover on the side to prevent water from entering the market when it rains. The Saclepea Market has an estimated marketer population of 1,400.

The Totota Project began with a community meeting in which the community agreed to provide the land and labour. The fund was used to supplement what the community provided such as land and labour. The market population is estimated at 1,200.

Zorzor market benefits an estimated 1,500 market women. The SMWF team met with the stakeholders to construct an annex to the existing market. The community promised to provide the land and labour. On Monday, June 4, 2007, the Fund signed a contract with Liberia Inland Construction Associates Inc. The Zorzor Market was completed on the 15th of November 2007 and was dedicated early this year by the Vice President, Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai.

January - June 2008 Field Report of the Sirleaf Market Women's Fund
Submitted by Sekou W. Konneh, Director, Monrovia, Liberia