Omega 14 Gobachop to Benefits Additional Market Structures, Water and Latrine Facilities

By: Domingo Dargbeh

Photo: Ground Breaking Ceremony

In a significant move to support small-scale vendors, the Appleton Foundation, led by former presidential candidate and CEO Mr. Edward Wade Appleton Jr., has officially broken ground for the construction of a much-needed market shelter, water pump, and latrine at the 14 Omega Market in Paynesville. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place over the weekend, marks a major step toward improving conditions for local market vendors, many of whom are single mothers struggling to make ends meet.

Addressing the crowd at the event, Mr. Appleton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to address a long-standing issue for the businesswomen of the market, particularly the plantain sellers who were relocated from the bustling Red Light commercial area to 14 Omega. “Before this project, these women had no protection from the rain or sun. They were selling in the open, enduring harsh weather conditions,” Appleton said.

The project, which is expected to be completed soon, was born out of requests made by the leadership of the plantain sellers at the market. Mr. Appleton emphasized his foundation’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with the vendors to ensure their needs are met. “Today, we break ground for a market shelter, a water pump, and a latrine to ensure that you are comfortable and happy doing your business—rain or shine,” he stated. “Keep doing what you do, sending your children to school and investing in your future.”

Appleton, a well-known human rights and social development advocate, also called on Liberia’s middle and high-income earners to pay more attention to the needs of those at the grassroots level. He argued that Liberia, rich in natural resources, cannot afford to let its people suffer while a small elite enjoys the nation’s wealth. “The ordinary citizens deserve their fair share of the national cake to foster peace and harmony,” he said.

He further appealed to humanitarian organizations, philanthropists, and ordinary Liberians to come together and empower the grassroots, particularly women, youth, and people living with disabilities. “Those with resources should understand the urgent need to support the hardworking women who struggle to send their children to school. They need loans, clean environments, and better opportunities,” Appleton stressed.

Madam Helena Vaye, Superintendent of the 14 Omega Market Plantain Field, took the opportunity to thank the Appleton Foundation for its intervention. “For years, we have been crying for help, but politicians only come to us during election seasons, promising us the world, only to disappear afterward. Mr. Appleton has shown us that he truly cares,” she said. “This project is beyond our imagination, and we are deeply grateful.”

Madam Vaye also offered prayers for Mr. Appleton, asking for divine blessings on his continued efforts to help the Liberian people, particularly those at the grassroots level.

Mr. Edward Wade Appleton Jr. ran for president in the 2023 general elections on the ticket of the Grassroots Development Movement (GDM), finishing third. Despite the electoral setback, he has continued to reach out to the Liberian people, addressing issues related to education, healthcare, and access to clean water—issues that remain crucial for the country’s development.

With this new project at 14 Omega Market, the Appleton Foundation is taking concrete steps to improve the lives of Liberian vendors and empower the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

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