With Christmas just days away, Duala Market—one of Monrovia’s busiest trading hubs—has been overtaken by filth, raising alarm among traders and pedestrians who depend on the market daily. Piles of uncollected waste now line the pathways, while rotting refuse and stagnant water dominate large sections of the market. The unsanitary conditions have created a hazardous environment at a time when commercial activity is expected to peak.
Marketers say the situation has persisted for more than a week, with no visible intervention from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the agency tasked with sanitation in the capital. “The dirt has been here for over a week,” one trader told Hardfacts Newspaper anonymously. “We sell food here, and people walk through this mess every day. It is dangerous, especially for children and the elderly.” Pedestrians navigating the market are forced to weave through heaps of garbage and muddy pathways. Many complain that the risk of slips, injuries, and exposure to harmful bacteria has increased significantly.
Health experts warn that such conditions, if left unchecked, could trigger outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other sanitation-related illnesses. The danger is particularly high during the dry season when waste accumulates more rapidly. Despite repeated complaints from market users, traders claim that no cleanup exercise has been carried out. They also say no MCC officials have visited the area to assess the situation.
The apparent inaction has fueled frustration among vendors, who insist they pay daily dues and taxes but receive little in return.
“We pay taxes and market fees every day,” another vendor lamented. “The least they can do is keep the place clean, especially during the holidays.” Duala Market, located on Bushrod Island, serves thousands of residents daily. It plays a critical role in food supply and informal commerce across Monrovia. Observers argue that allowing such a vital commercial hub to deteriorate reflects broader challenges in urban sanitation management. The timing of the crisis is particularly troubling, as the Christmas season traditionally brings a surge in shoppers and traders. Many fear that the filth could discourage customers from visiting the market.
Some traders worry that their businesses will suffer losses if buyers avoid the market due to health concerns. Others say they are forced to operate in unsafe conditions simply to make ends meet. Residents living near the market also complain about the foul odor and the spread of flies, which they say have invaded their homes. Community leaders have joined traders in calling on the MCC and relevant health authorities to take immediate action. They warn that failure to act could result in a public health emergency.
The situation has also sparked debate about accountability, with many questioning how sanitation fees collected from traders are being used. As the Christmas rush intensifies, the pressure on authorities to respond grows stronger. Traders and pedestrians alike say they cannot afford to wait any longer. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Monrovia City Corporation were unsuccessful at press time.
Author: Victor Quaye
