April 29, 2026
Dwindling hopes have been revived in Maryland County, particularly thousands of marketers at the Pleebo General Market following the commissioning of a US$46,000 solar electrification and renovation project by Maryland County District #2 Representative, Anthony F. Williams.
The project was officially dedicated Tuesday morning by the lawmaker’s home-office coordinator, Standford Y. Neufville, in a ceremony that brought together marketers, local authorities, members of the Pleebo District Development Council, and other key community stakeholders.
Speaking to team of reporters, Representative Williams said the initiative was prompted by persistent challenges faced by marketers, particularly unreliable electricity and deteriorating infrastructure.
“For years, our people have struggled with electricity in this market. Each time LEC power goes, business slows down.
This project is intended to provide a reliable alternative and create a better environment for our people to trade safely,” Williams said.
Since the market’s construction during the administration of former President George Weah, access to stable electricity has remained a major concern. The installation of a modern solar power system is now expected to provide consistent lighting, significantly improving security and extending trading hours.
The solar system includes 22 high-capacity panels (650 watts each), three industrial-grade batteries, a three-phase inverter system, 50 breaker panel boxes, more than 200 lighting bulbs, and extensive electrical wiring.
Beyond electrification, the project also addressed key structural issues within the market. Renovation works included the reroofing of annexes, expansion of sections of the market toward the main road, and the construction of drainage systems to prevent flooding, particularly during the rainy season.
The annexes, initially constructed shortly after Representative Williams took office in March 2024 with support from Senatorial aspirant Tiah Nagbe in 2023, had deteriorated over time, leaving traders exposed to harsh weather conditions and forcing many, including wheelbarrow pushers, to operate outside.
Marketers welcomed the intervention, describing it as both timely and transformative.
Madam Angerline Hinneh, head of women selling in the upstairs section, said the project has significantly improved their daily operations.
“We are so grateful this morning. Before, when LEC current went, we were always in darkness. We depended on flashlights that didn’t last, and the zinc was leaking badly. But now, everything has changed. We can sit and sell comfortably,” she said.
Madam Eletha Kieh, Chairlady of the “Happy Corner” women, praised the lawmaker for responding to their concerns.
“We were suffering under damaged zinc, but when we called on our representative, he listened. Today, we are proud. I call him ‘Development Azibo’ for Pleebo-Sodoken District because he continues to come to our aid,” she noted.
Another marketer echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the relief brought by the new roofing.
“Rain used to beat us here because the roof was spoiled. But now, we are protected. May God bless him, we will always remember this,” she said.
Providing an overview of the transformation, Market Superintendent Madam Cecelia Wilson highlighted the significance of the improvements.
“This market used to be very difficult, especially during the rainy season. Now we have full lighting, proper drainage, and new roofing. We are prepared and comfortable. We are truly grateful,” she stated.
As one of the busiest commercial centers in Maryland County, the Pleebo General Market serves thousands of traders daily.
The completion of the solar and renovation project is expected to boost economic activity, enhance safety, and improve livelihoods across Pleebo and surrounding communities.
For many, the intervention represents more than infrastructure, it marks a shift from years of hardship to a more secure, productive, and dignified trading environment.
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