MONROVIA – The cleanliness, beauty and healthy environment of the Capitol City of a nation makes its people proud. But to make this happen, those who are placed in authority are to perform their respective duties in keeping with City Ordinances enshrined on the books for the betterment of the city.
The City of Monrovia, the capitol of the Republic of Liberia, is/or should be no exception when it comes to the enforcement of City Ordinances intended to keep the city clean and in order as a member of the civilized community of the world.
It is in this regard, the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has announced that is set to commence the enforcement of regulations (anti-street selling laws) regarding street selling in the central area of Monrovia. This enforcement initiative aims to organize street vendors and petty traders across the city with the overarching goal of enhancing street orderliness, public safety, environmental hygiene, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
“The initiative is designed to create a cleaner and more orderly urban space while promoting the unhindered movement of pedestrians and vehicles,” the MCC said in a statement over the weekend. “The exercise is also meant to preserve the City’s integrity and ensure that street vending operates harmoniously within the urban landscape.”
A special Task Force from the city corporation will be deployed to clear Monrovia of street vending activities in prohibited areas, ensuring vendors comply with regulations and keep goods within their stores. The exercise is expected to run for several weeks and will involve the removal of makeshift stalls and abandoned vehicles from the streets.
“The MCC wants to ensure that store owners keep their goods inside their stores,” the statement added. “It will also ensure the removal of makeshift stalls and abandoned vehicles along the streets of Monrovia.”
The MCC has categorized street selling violators into several groups, including vendors without valid street selling permits, vendors obstructing pedestrian pathways, those violating health and sanitation guidelines, as well as those operating in restricted areas or selling prohibited goods.
Task force members will visit designated vending zones to: Conduct spot checks on cleanliness, spacing, and stall setup. Verify that vendors have permits and are not selling prohibited items or engaging in restricted activities.
Vendors are prohibited from operating within specified restricted areas to prevent congestion and conflicts with formal businesses. Examples include areas near government buildings, hospitals, embassies, and schools.
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 mandates the MCC to maintain cleanliness and regulate street vending activities.
To accommodate street vendors, the MCC has identified approximately 2,000 free spaces across five markets for their use and is encouraging vendors to relocate to these designated areas. Vendors interested in legally operating within the city must join an MCC-recognized street vending union, register with the city, and pay the required daily fees for vending and solid waste management.
“To legally sell goods or provide services within or on the designated selling zones or streets in Monrovia, individuals must first join an MCC-recognized street vending union, such as the Federation of Petty Traders and Informal Workers Union of Liberia. After registration, the vendor will receive a membership identification card, which is a mandatory requirement for the subsequent steps,” the statement indicates. With the union membership ID card in hand, the vendor can proceed to the Directorate of City Planning, Beautification, and Engineering Services, City Hall, 1st Street, Sinkor. At this office, the vendor must present two passport-size photographs along with the membership ID to formally register for vending within the city.”
“After successful registration, the vendor must go to the One-Stop Shop at Monrovia City Hall to pay the required daily fees. These fees include a daily vending fee of 25 Liberian Dollars (LD) and a daily solid waste management fee of 25 LD. Payment receipts will be issued upon completion. The vendors may choose to pay the fees either monthly or quarterly, based on their discretion.”
Once the payment is made, the vendor must return to the Directorate of City Planning, Beautification, and Engineering Services with the official payment receipt. Upon verification, the MCC Vending Permit will be issued, authorizing the vendor to conduct business in designated public spaces under the city’s regulations.
Concluding, the MCC statement emphasizes the importance of compliance with city ordinances and the Municipal Street Selling Regulations, warning that violators will face fines. Additionally, the corporation urges residents and businesses to conduct legitimate transactions through the established One-Stop Shop center at City Hall to ensure transparency and efficiency in municipal tax payments.
It can be recalled when John-Charuk S. Siafa was appointed as the 28th Mayor of the City of Monrovia by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, he shared a vision with Monrovians that he was dedicated to drive positive change and foster a brighter future for the city and its residents.
According to Mayor Siafa, with over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and community leadership, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as Mayor. “My vision for Monrovia is centered around enhancing quality of life, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Through strategic initiatives in infrastructure, sanitation, education, and tourism, we aim to create a city that thrives on inclusivity, innovation, and progress.”
Emphasizing his belief in the power of collaboration and community engagement, whether with a resident, business owner, or community leader, he invited everyone in the city of Monrovia to join him and his team in shaping the future of Monrovia. “Together, we can build a city that we are proud to call home,” Mayor Siafa said upon taking office as Mayor of the City of Monrovia.
