In Grand Kru County, a senatorial hopeful, John B. Chea, has extended a L$1 million financial lifeline to struggling marketers at the Barclayville General Market.
The donation, presented on Tuesday, July 28, is to support marketers facing financial difficulties, and help them strengthen their businesses, and livelihoods.
While presenting the money on behalf of Chea, Theophilus Gippley said, the contribution was in response to concerns raised by marketers during an engagement with Mr. Chea, who listened to their challenges, and appeals for assistance.
Gippley said, the L$1 million is a direct donation, and not a loan.
He dismissed reports suggesting that the marketers would be required to repay the money.
The Superintendent of the Barclayville General Market, Mrs. Fanta Kollie, formally received the money on behalf of the struggling marketers.
Madam Kollie expressed appreciation to Chea for responding to the plight of the market community, and pledged that the funds would be managed transparently for the benefit of the intended beneficiaries.
Many of the marketers have welcomed the small-scale trading, as their primary source of income. They described the support as timely assistance that could ease some of the financial pressure facing traders at the market.
The marketers also referenced Chea’s previous contributions to Grand Kru County, including the construction of a cold-storage facility in Barclayville, which they said, has improved the availability of frozen foods, and other perishable commodities.
Chea’s supporters further highlighted other initiatives attributed to him, including a cold-storage facility valued at more than US$65,000, rehabilitation of hand pumps, financial assistance to schools, and other institutions, and the expansion of school facilities.
For the marketers, who received the latest intervention, the L$1 million donation is being viewed as a direct investment in the livelihoods of struggling traders, and a gesture of support at a time when many continue to face economic challenges.
