Zogoes Stealing Roof Zinc from Omega Market, Traders Abandon Omega Market for Red Light

Paynesville, Liberia: The 14th Gobachop Market, constructed during the administration of former President George Weah, is now facing serious challenges, including vandalism and low occupancy. The market, located at Omega in Paynesville, was intended to be a modern alternative to the congested Red Light Market. However, parts of the structure—particularly the rooftop zinc sheets—are reportedly being stolen by disadvantaged youth, commonly referred to as “Zogoes.”

Over the weekend, Kool 91.9 FM News Director Daniel Theophilus Cole visited the market to investigate why many traders are not using the new facility. During his visit, he interviewed Mr. Dickson G. Harris, President of the Omega Market branch of the Money Changers Association. Harris explained that during nighttime hours, Zogoes frequent the market to sleep, and in the middle of the night, they remove zinc sheets from the rooftop for unknown purposes.

Harris further criticized the Liberia Marketing Association for failing to take action and called on the national government to deploy city police officers to secure the market and prevent further damage.

Another challenge facing the Omega Market is the low number of active traders. According to two market women interviewed by Kool 91.9 FM, many of their colleagues have returned to sell in the Red Light area, which remains a popular commercial hub despite the government’s relocation efforts.

“Most of our friends have gone back to Red Light. That makes it hard for us to get customers here at Omega,” one woman said. “We want the government to bring back all our friends so the road can be free again.”

Marketers currently operating at Omega are urging the government to enforce the relocation policy by compelling traders still at Red Light to move to the new facility. They argue that continued commercial activity at Red Light undermines efforts to reduce traffic congestion and sanitation issues in the area.

The 14th Gobachop Market was officially dedicated on October 9, 2020, as part of a national strategy to ease traffic and improve urban sanitation. After initial resistance, the government enforced the relocation in July 2021, resulting in the demolition of the old Red Light Market.

The project was funded primarily by the Government of Japan at a cost of US$3.8 million and implemented by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE). The market covers five acres and features over 3,000 selling spaces, 20 bathrooms with showers, a 6,000-gallon water tower, a 20KVA generator, four warehouses, and parking for more than 200 vehicles.

Despite the significant investment and infrastructure, the persistent use of the Red Light Market continues to create traffic bottlenecks and disrupt the intended benefits of the new facility.