Duala Market, a bustling commercial hub situated on the outskirts of Monrovia on Bushrod Island, now finds itself overwhelmed by a crisis—one not of economic downturn or political instability, but of garbage, filth, and neglect. -The New Dawn reporter visited the scene and filed this report.
By: Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, September 9, 2025: In recent weeks, the sprawling marketplace has become a symbol of urban decay, as mountains of uncollected garbage have forced marketeers to leave their designated stalls and take to the crowded streets, putting their livelihoods, health, and safety at risk.
The mounting sanitation problem, which has persisted for a protracted period at the time of reporting, is not new; however, its severity has reached a critical point. Vendors and citizens alike are making fervent appeals to the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the national government, calling for immediate intervention and more sustainable waste management solutions.
The Duala Market
Duala Market is not merely a place of commerce; it is a lifeline for thousands of families, offering self-employment opportunities, access to food, and economic benefits.
However, its current state paints a grim picture. Piles of refuse stretch alongside the market stalls, and the air is thick with the stench of decay, driving both sellers and buyers away from the market’s once-vibrant core.
Emmanuel Robert Gborlee, a vendor at Duala Market, captures the frustration felt by many: “I am not feeling good about this dirt. We don’t have any sitting area to sell, so we are forced to sit on the road,” he says.
For Gborlee and his peers, the situation is not only uncomfortable but also undermines their ability to earn a living. Vendors pay daily market fees—50 Liberian dollars on regular days and 100 LD on Saturdays—yet the service they expect in return, basic cleanliness and waste removal, has become increasingly elusive.
Gborlee notes the paradox that while authorities are quick to enforce street vending regulations—and police officers readily chase vendors off the roads to maintain order—waste collection remains slow and irregular.
“Every day, we pay, but still, the dirt stays here. It has been here for more than four days. We want the government to help us clear the streets,” he pleads.
The discontent is widespread. Alex Tamba, who has worked at Duala Market for over a decade, describes an unprecedented deterioration in conditions: “This is not how the place used to be. Nowhere for us to sell, so we sit near the dirt. Sometimes we even pay ‘zoogos’ to carry the dirt away, but it still stays for a long time before MCC comes. We want the government to relocate the dumpsite away from the market.”
His best described the appalling situation leading to the informal arrangements with “zoogos”—a local term for street dwellers or marginalized youths—who are paid to move garbage when the city authorities fail to arrive. While this may provide a short-term fix, it is no substitute for regular, organized waste collection, and it only reveals the desperation of vendors.
Annieta Kromah, another long-time market seller, echoes these concerns: “We pay 50LD every day, but the places we sell are full of dirt. We even get sick from it. I want the City Mayor to employ more manpower to clean the streets.” For Annieta and countless others, the health risks are not hypothetical; infections, respiratory illnesses, and other diseases are an ever-present threat. The market, traditionally seen as a place of nourishment and community, now exposes its customers to danger.
The Daula Traffic congestion.
As the market’s internal areas grow impassable, vendors spill onto the main road, clogging the streets with makeshift stalls and foot traffic. Fombah B. Swaray observes, “The accumulation of dirt in the market has forced sellers into the streets, resulting in traffic congestion.” This congestion not only disrupts business but also impedes public transportation and raises the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Swaray suggests looking to the past for solutions: “I want the City Mayor to put a program together like student vacation work, the way Mary Broh did. Every Saturday, students used to clean the streets. We also need a strong task force to fine people who throw dirt on the streets.” The reference to Mary Broh, a former Monrovia City Mayor renowned for her aggressive and effective cleanup campaigns, serves as a reminder that change is possible with decisive leadership and community engagement.
Many vendors and citizens believe the current crisis stems from lapses in both policy and execution. Clinton Nyumah points out that sanitation infrastructure has eroded over time: “During President Ellen Johnson’s time, there were pit latrines on the streets for citizens to use, and sweepers collected the waste. We need that system back. The government must launch awareness campaigns and enforce fines on people who throw dirt on the streets.”
Nyumah’s suggestion is twofold: restore essential facilities and combine public education with enforcement. The lack of public toilets and waste bins allows unsanitary practices to flourish, further exacerbating the problem. Without regular reminders and penalties, careless dumping of waste has become normalized in the market environment.
Involving community members in the solution is another recurring theme. Jonathan Massaquoi proposes a collaborative approach that includes all stakeholders, even the marginalized: “The dirt is embarrassing us. We want the Mayor to employ ‘zoogos’ because they are hardworking people who can help keep the city clean. But strong measures must also be put in place to punish those who drop dirt carelessly.” -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
