By: Barclay Karnley
MONROVIA: The United States Government through its Federal Assistance program, and with implementation by Buutay K. Buu, is constructing a modern market for over 3,440 women in Zor Gbarplay, Nimba County.
The new market is designed to meet the specific needs of rural women vendors, providing a safe and organized space where they can sell their goods, grow their businesses, and connect with customers.
By addressing the lack of proper infrastructure in rural Liberia, this project will enable women to work in a supportive environment, strengthening their financial independence and improving household incomes.
The building initiative which is funded through the U.S. Federal Assistance program is focused on building a modern market to empower rural women, boost incomes, and drive local economic growth.
However, with its completion, the project is expected to positively impact the lives of approximately 3,440 individuals in the community.
Over the weekend, Mr. Buutay K. Buu and his team visited the County in an effort to conduct an assessment. During the visitation, the rural market women, welcomed Mr. Buu and his entourage with open arms, and traditional displayed including the singing of native song, throwing of locally produce rice and spreading of lappers in appreciation for the American government assistance.
Mr. Buutay K. Buu has long been an advocate for rural development, with a proven record in education, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation. Mr. Buu see this market project as not only a construction project but a symbol of hope and opportunity for many women in Nimba County.
Remarking during the visitation, Mr. Buutay K. Buu expressed appreciation to the U.S government for the assistance to address the market challenges confronting rural women’s, while urging collaborative efforts for change.
According to him, the market isn’t just a place for buying and selling, rather it represents dignity, economic empowerment, and a brighter future for the women and families of Zor Gbarplay. He sees the market construction as a step toward prosperity.
“This project is made possible by the U.S government. I want us to thank the U.S. Federal Assistance and the support of Ambassador Mark Toner, who has championed grassroots development in Liberia. His commitment to sustainable projects like this, one is helping to create opportunities for underserved communities and paving the way for long-term growth,” he stated.
Commenting on the impact of the project in transforming lives, and building a future, Mr. Buu added that with the construction well underway, the market is set to become a cornerstone of empowerment and economic development in Zor Gbarplay.
He believes that it will give 3,440 beneficiaries the tools they need to make meaningful contributions to their community while improving their livelihoods.
“This is about building more than just a structure. It’s about laying the foundation for lasting growth and prosperity. The project highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing global challenges at a local level. It serves as a reminder that when communities and partners come together, they can create meaningful, sustainable change,” he concluded.
For their part, the Rural Marketeers Women’s Chairperson, Madam Ruth Dopoh expressed gratitude and appreciation to the U.S government through its Embassy in Monrovia for the intervention, while describing Mr. Buu as a visionary leader and implementer.
Lamenting the challenges of the Rural Women who are engaged into local and cross-border trade, Madam Dope said that for many years, they have been doing local and cross-border trade.
But, the major threat to their economic growth and existence has been the construction of a marker structure to provide them shelter and preservation.
