IPNEWS: The media report that petit traders of the Waterside Market in Monrovia, have accused the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) Superintendent at Waterside Market, Roland Tuazama of allegedly ‘eating’ over US$43, 000.00 meant to evacuate the petit traders who are stationed around the old National Housing Saving Bank facility down Water Street to allow the smooth operations of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL’s) saving annex.
In conversation with journalists, the aggrieved petit traders on Saturday, July 16, 2022, stated they entered into an agreement with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Authority to provide each Table owner US$300.00 and US$100.00 for those selling Wheelbarrows in the vicinity of the old Housing Bank for resettlement to another location, as the Central Bank intends occupying the facility as its extended Saving Annex.
An elderly petit trader only Identify as William Jallah narrated, “the office of the waterside LMA Superintendent came to us after we entered an agreement with Central Bank and told us they were going to deduct US$25.00 from everyone money for signature. So, if you are to receive US$100, you will receive US$75 and if you are to receive US$300 you will receive US$275 which we agreed and have no problem with. But suddenly, when the money came, the LMA Superintendent’s office was now giving US$75.00 to all Table owners and Wheelbarrow sellers), instead of the agreement we entered into with the Superintendent. He said that is all they have for us, which we object have objected to.”
Another business lady who claims to be a long-time member of the Liberia Marketing Association, Tutu Fahn added, that she has been following the LMA policy including securing a membership card with a recent receipt from LMA to upgrade her status, but she was denied the money and was told if anybody detects foul play they should go to court.
According to her, Roland Tuazama has refused to give their portion of the money claiming that he doesn’t recognize them.
When the LMA Superintendent of the Waterside Marketing Association, Roland Tuazama was contacted, he characterized the aggrieved petit traders as noisy members around the corridor who do not know what they want.
Roland aggressively voiced out to be the man of the day and said no one dares to challenge his decision and whosoever feels dissatisfied can go to court.
However, the victims have announced a massive protest against the LMA in demand of their money and promised to vote against President Weah and his CDC Lawmakers in 2023 if no appropriate action is taken against Roland Tuazama.
