-As Enforcement Begins on Monday
By Vaye Lepolu, Jessica Cox, & Nerese Farr
Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has unveiled a sweeping set of measures aimed at organizing petty traders and street sellers across the city, set to take effect on Monday, February 26, 2025. The initiative, designed to foster collaboration between vendors and the municipal government, seeks to create a cleaner, more orderly urban environment while ensuring the free flow of pedestrians and vehicles.
However, street sellers in central Monrovia have expressed dissatisfaction with the new regulations, urging the MCC to conduct a thorough assessment of the streets listed for restrictions and to engage in meaningful dialogue before implementation. Vendors argue that while the measures are well-intentioned, they could have severe economic consequences for families reliant on street vending in Liberia’s already challenging economic climate.
Street Sellers Voice Concerns
Abraham Konneh, Chairman of the Mechlin Street Sellers Association, emphasized that while street selling is a “privilege” and not a right, it is a global phenomenon that cannot be ignored. He called on the MCC to establish clear regulations that create a conducive environment for street vendors while designating specific streets as off-limits for vending. Konneh warned that removing sellers from sidewalks without proper planning could worsen the struggles of family breadwinners.
“The government should develop a roadmap to transition individuals away from street selling,” Konneh said. “However, if this is not feasible, the MCC should identify areas within central Monrovia to build additional markets to accommodate the growing number of street vendors.” He noted that the existing market on Water Street is already overcrowded, and the population of street sellers in Montserrado County continues to rise.
The New Measures
In a public service announcement issued 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. The new 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 Monday, February 24, 2025, street selling will be banned in high-traffic areas such as 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
While many street sellers have expressed frustration with the new measures, some have welcomed the initiative. 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 includes a monthly fee of US$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.
Tambah revealed that he began relocating sellers from sidewalks in early 2024 but warned that a wholesale removal of street vendors without adequate alternatives could reflect poorly on the government. “The MCC’s notification is timely, and information dissemination has been extensive,” he 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.
