21/03/2025
Several Female Timber Dealers Plead for Government Loan Assistance.
Emmanuel S Woleh
Voice of Gompa FM 106.5 MHZ
[email protected]
March 21,2025.
Ganta – The Gompa Wood Field was established after the Liberian Civil War to empower citizens, particularly timber dealers, by providing them with a means to earn a daily living. Since its inception, the wood field has served as a significant employment opportunity, alleviating economic and employment burdens on the national government. The field currently hosts over 300 dealers, with females making up a little over 30% of the total.
Amid the growing economic challenges, many women who trade wood at the field to support their families are struggling due to low buying rates, high transportation costs, and labor expenses. Additionally, the high interest rates charged by financial institutions such as Access Bank, BRAC Liberia, and the United Bank for Africa are creating significant hurdles.
Racheal Queidah, a timber dealer who has been operating at the field since 2019, shared the difficulties she faces. She pointed out that the high costs of tracking and purchasing trees, coupled with poor road conditions, are major obstacles. According to Queidah, nearly all of her profits are spent on transportation expenses.
She also expressed frustration with the exorbitant interest rates charged by financial institutions. "Their interest rates are extremely high, and taking a loan from them feels like enslaving yourself. Imagine taking a loan and starting to repay it after just one month, with such a high-interest rate," Queidah said.
Madam Queidah is appealing to the Unity Party-led government to provide low-interest loans to female timber dealers so they can avoid going out of business and continue supporting their families and children’s education.
Mrs. Rita Dennis, a professional nurse who turned to the timber business due to a lack of employment opportunities, also shared her struggles. "Since I got into the wood business, it’s been difficult. I don’t make much money because things are tough everywhere. If I go to the bank for a loan, the interest rates are so high. Sometimes, I can’t even get wood to sell. I have to spend my days here hoping a customer will come, so I can sell a few pieces of wood to support myself and my children," she explained.
Mrs. Dennis further emphasized that without government intervention, their situation would worsen, and many children would have to leave school due to financial constraints. Like Queidah, she is pleading with the government to step in and provide assistance, warning that without help, life for them and their families could deteriorate.
Mamie Richards, another long-time female timber dealer, echoed the sentiments of her peers, describing the timber business as both challenging and necessary for survival. "We are here because there’s nothing else to do to support our families. We are struggling on our own without any financial support. When you apply for a loan from Access Bank, they charge you a 35% interest rate, and BRAC Liberia charges 20%. We are begging the government to provide us with loans at lower interest rates so we can pay them back and continue our work," Richards said.
The female timber dealers continue to call on the government for help, urging that their livelihood and the education of their children depend on it.
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