The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFFA) has broken ground for the construction of a modern fish processing facility in Pleebo City, Maryland County, a move expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of local fish sellers. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 17 at Compound Hill in Pleebo City, brought together fisheries authorities, city officials, members of the contracting team, and other stakeholders. The project, initiated by the Government of Liberia(GoL) through NaFFA, has been awarded to the Royal Construction Engineering Company for implementation.
Providing an overview of the project, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Elvis T. Dweh, assured stakeholders that construction will be completed within three months. He disclosed that the facility, valued at over US$60,000, will meet modern standards and include key features such as a solar power system and a water tower to support efficient fish processing and preservation. Mr. Dweh emphasized that the facility will create a safe, hygienic, and adequate working environment for fish sellers. Speaking on behalf of the local government, Pleebo City Mayor Larry Geekor described the initiative as historic, noting that it represents the first government-led fish processing facility in the area. He explained that the project is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by fish traders, particularly in storage and preservation.
According to Mayor Geekor, the lack of proper storage facilities has consistently affected the quality of fish products, thereby limiting income opportunities for local sellers. He expressed confidence that the new facility will help stabilize the sector and boost economic activity in the city. “This is the very first fish project, and choosing Pleebo is a plus. We thank the Government,” he said. Meanwhile, Vice President of the Maryland Fish Women Association, Madam Albertha Tweh, welcomed the initiative and praised both NaFFA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for their support. She highlighted the challenges fish processors currently face, particularly in preserving their products before taking them to market.
Mr. Tweh also raised health concerns, noting that prolonged exposure to heat and smoke from traditional processing methods has caused eye problems among many fish sellers. She expressed optimism that the new facility will improve working conditions, reduce health risks and enhance productivity in the sector. “This is what we have been wishing for, and as soon as it is completed, we know our burdens will be reduced,” she said. The project is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening the local fisheries value chain in Pleebo and surrounding communities. By improving processing, preservation, and storage, the facility will help reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality, and expand market opportunities for fish sellers.
Stakeholders believe the initiative will not only increase incomes for local traders, particularly women, but also contribute to food security and sustainable economic growth in the county. As construction begins, residents and beneficiaries remain hopeful that the project will be delivered within the stipulated timeframe and maintained for long-term use. Many see the facility as a symbol of the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots livelihoods and addressing longstanding challenges within the fisheries sector, while calling for continued investment in similar initiatives across other coastal communities in Liberia.
