By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia — The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) is expected to commence the enforcement of new restrictions on street selling in central Monrovia, effective today, February 24, 2025. The move follows the unveiling of a comprehensive set of measures last week aimed at organizing petty traders and street vendors across the city.
According to the MCC, the initiative is designed to foster collaboration between vendors and the municipal government, creating a cleaner, more orderly urban environment while ensuring the free flow of pedestrians and vehicles. This enforcement aligns with existing restrictions on motorcycles using the Tubman Boulevard to town and Freeport to town corridors.
New Measures and Designated Zones
In a public service announcement issued on Tuesday, the MCC outlined specific zones where street selling will be strictly prohibited, as well as designated areas where vendors will be permitted to operate under regulated conditions. These regulations are part of the city’s broader efforts to enforce City Ordinance No. 1, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10, and City Ordinance No. 3, Section 3, which mandate the MCC to maintain cleanliness and regulate street vending activities.
Effective immediately, street selling will be banned in high-traffic areas, including Broad Street, Carey Street, Ashmun Street, McDonald Street, Warren Street, Johnson Street, Lynch Street, Buchanan Street, Center Street, Gurley Street, Randall Street, Mechlin Street, Newport Street, Water Street, UN Drive, Capitol Bye-pass, Ramps, Tubman Boulevard, and Avenues.
To accommodate petty traders, the MCC has identified specific areas where street selling will be allowed. Vendors operating in these zones must obtain a permit from the MCC at a cost of $10.00 per month, which covers both selling and waste management fees. The designated zones include Benson Street, McDonald Street, Gurley Street, Randall Street, Mechlin Street, Newport Street, Water Street, Buchanan Street, Johnson Street, Lynch Street, Warren Street, Clay Street, and Perry Street.
The MCC emphasized that no permanent stalls or shelters will be allowed, and vendors must adhere to approved designs and guidelines. A comprehensive list of allowable and non-allowable goods and services will be provided upon application.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The MCC has warned that any individual found selling in restricted areas will face a fine of $100.00, in accordance with city ordinances. The corporation urged all petty traders to comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to the city’s cleanliness and order.
Mixed Reactions from Vendors
The announcement of the new restrictions has sparked mixed reactions among street sellers in central Monrovia. While some vendors have expressed frustration, others have welcomed the initiative, acknowledging its potential to improve the city’s environment.
Augustine Tambah, Chairman of Mechlin Street Block A, expressed support for the MCC’s policy to remove sellers from pedestrian walkways and restricted areas. He highlighted the requirement for vendors to obtain business permits, which include a monthly fee of $10 for solid waste management. However, Tambah acknowledged the challenges he faces in ensuring proper waste collection in his oversight area, attributing much of the littering to street sellers.
“The MCC’s notification is timely, and information dissemination has been extensive,” Tambah said. “However, I expected the MCC to engage street seller leaders in discussions before finalizing the policy.”
Musa Kamara, Chairperson of the Randall Street Sellers Block, echoed these sentiments, stating that while sellers are aware of the restrictions, the policy’s implementation lacks consideration for the livelihoods of citizens. He called for a more inclusive approach to ensure that the needs of street vendors are addressed.
Meanwhile, Henry Moor, Chairman of Randall Street Block A, disclosed that Monrovia City Mayor John Siafi had met with street seller leaders to instruct them on maintaining cleanliness in their business areas. Moor emphasized that, aside from the mayor’s restrictions, the leadership of Randall Street has implemented self-regulatory measures to govern their environment and ensure order.
