At the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, Madam Fudia Gbla, Chairlady of Sewa Grounds Market, urged the Sierra Estate Management Company (SEMCO) to give first preference to the market’s original traders in distributing the newly constructed stalls.
Madam Gbla emphasized the readiness of her leadership team to assist members in completing the allocation process. “We are appealing for the forms to be made available to us, the initial occupants of the market. My team is ready to work hand-in-hand with management to assist our members,” she said.
She revealed that the market’s leadership has established an association and issued identification cards to former stall owners to ensure a smooth and transparent return to the new market space.
Madam Gbla also commended the Government of Sierra Leone and NASSIT for the successful reconstruction of the market and expressed her acceptance of the set stall fee of NLe 6,000, acknowledging the significant investment involved.
In conclusion, she called on SEMCO to carefully consider the concerns of the original market community during the allocation process.