LIBERIA: Solid waste challenges at Redlight Commercial District
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – Despite funds collected on a daily basis by the Liberia Marketing Association(LMA) and the Paynesville City Corporation(PCC) from marketers in the Commercial District of Redlight, the removal of garbage from this area remains a major challenge. Many of the marketers who are not opportune to secure a selling spot within the market main building have no option but to often sell close to a garbage site.
Side view of the garbage on pipeline Road
The unpleasant odour greets them every day as they go about in search of their daily bread. Though, selling along the pipeline road is not conducive due to unsanitary condition, this is where more buyers come to shopping for food and other items on a daily basis, “a marketer added” Gbaflee, in his 30s said having a spot in this section of the market is a great opportunity to find daily bread for his family.
He stressed that many of them are cognizant that the solid waste (garbage) along the pipeline road is hazardous, “adding for now is the only spot we have available to sell”. In an exclusive interview with WASH Reporters, many of the marketers told WASH Media that they are not feeling the impact of their contributions to get the area cleaned.
They are meanwhile calling on authorities of the Liberia Marketing Association and Paynesville City Corporation to design new strategies to address the huge solid waste challenges faced by especially marketers at the Redlight Market.
Redlight general market garbage also found on-top of market stalls
The marketers are requesting the LMA and PCCP to be robust in addressing the timely removal of garbage at the market. Commenting on decision by the PCC to put cessation to Sunday selling at the Redlight to clean the market, some marketers are of the conviction that it will actually solve the problem of garbage pollution in that commercial district.
The marketers are recommending a strategy that will take into consideration communities that are part of Redlight and not only the market. The marketers said community residents are also major contributors to huge piles of dirt at the Redlight market.
Partial view of Pipeline Road, Redlight Commercial District
According to them, when these communities are part of the PCC solid waste strategies, it could help in keeping the market and municipality clean. Over the years, poor sanitation has been a major challenge for the city of Paynesville, especially around the commercial district of Redlight and other parts of the municipality.
Both the LMA and PCC have repeatedly cried of the lack of logistical support to clean the Redlight Commercial District and other areas in the municipality, due to low budgetary allocations.
Despite the intervention of development partners, sanitation remains a challenge for the municipality.
Some solid waste experts hope that with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with WaterAid, the Paynesville City Corporation will be strengthened to become more responsive to its duties and responsibilities.
A marketer explaining his ordeal due to poor solid waste condition at the market
