By Our contributing writer
Monrovia — On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 a modern vegetable hub was dedicated by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) through the Rural Economic Transformation Project ( RETRAP) at Barnersville junction and turned over to the Liberia Vegetable Sellers Association ( LVSA).
At a formal dedication program to cut ribbon at the vegetable kiosk, Hon. David K. Akoi, Deputy Minister for Planning and Development at MOA told the gathering that the vegetable kiosk is a contribution from the government to empower vegetable sellers.
Deputy Minister Akoi said the kiosk will serve as shelter for vegetable sellers in the area, and provide them a hygienic environment to sell their vegetables.
“We put this kiosk here so that our vegetables sellers can have shelter to sell their produce,” Min. Akoi said. “It’s not for the government, but for the people. It’s not for rent,” he stressed.
He indicated that the kiosk will also serve as a stable point for people who buy vegetables, and provide a safe space and hygienic vegetables for their consumption.
Deputy Minister Akoi stressed that agriculture is the first pillar of government ARREST agenda, and promised that government will do everything possible to leave an indelible mark on the agriculture sector of Liberia.
The MOA deputy minister encouraged members of the LVSA to endeavor to always have vegetables at the kiosk and ensure that the area is kept clean.
Min. Akoi also admonished the sellers to sell their produce using scale machine, something he said will bring standardization to pricing of the commodities. He emphasized that using scale in selling produce like vegetables is globally acceptable.
He thanked the World Bank, FAO, UNIDO and partners for their immense support to the MOA especially in the area of farmers’ support.
Also speaking at the program was Dr. Moses Zolue. Dr. Zolue said opening of the vegetables kiosk is a step forward in community empowerment for food security and economic transformation.
He said RETRAP is endeavoring to provide healthy food for communities through the building of several modern vegetables hubs across the country.
“We celebrate more than opening a vegetable kiosk,” Dr. Zolue said. “We celebrate a step forward in community empowerment for food security and economic transformation,” he added.
Dr. Zolue indicated that with the vegetables kiosk, both sellers and buyers now have a stable market point to sell their vegetables.
He used the occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to the MOA management, RETRAP and other partners that made the kiosk project a success.
At the same time, Mr. Sumo Mulbah, president of LVSA expressed joy over the project and called on the RETRAP and partners to extend the vegetables kiosk project to other parts of the country.
Mr. Mulbah said the kiosk is a great relief for vegetables sellers. He indicated that the kiosk will help secure their produce from sun shine or rainfall.
The vegetables kiosk is powered by solar energy, hosts a latrine facility with several compartments for vegetables display.
The kiosk at Barnersville junction is one of three kiosks around Monrovia with one at Catholic junction, and another at 72nd junction in Paynesville. According to Deputy Minister Akoi, several other kiosks will be built around Monrovia including ELWA junction and Benson and Newport Streets area.
The program brought together dignitaries from UNIDO, Ministry of Public Works, the Commissioner of Gardnersville, heads of marketing associations in Barnersville and Gardnersville, as well as members of LVSA amongst others.
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