13 March 2008
Latest report emanating from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) Majoress Ophelia Hoff Saytumah has reportedly reached an agreement with a Lebanese group to lease out certain portion of the city for US$180,000.
Sierra Leone-Media Tech, under the reported pact, has exclusive municipal right from St. Paul Bridge on the Bushrod Island in Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, Harbel, Margibi County.
MCC sources said the alleged deal was reached last week by representatives of Media Tech and MCC Boss Ophelia Saytumah. Payment, according to reports, will be made this week. This deal is said to have been confirmed by Media Tech in the country.
Sources at City Hall said advertising is one of the key businesses reserve for Liberians. "We are not only looking at that, but the ideal of giving two years right to this company which we do not know anything about or don't even know their office in the country and it means a lot to us", one insider said under anonymity.
If indeed this is correct, it means that no company will carry outoutdoor advertising in the areas selected for two years. It is not also clear what would become of bill boards already planted in these areas by various companies in the country.
According to the reported agreement which will last for two years, Media Tech will have the exclusive right to these areas and any company wishing to advertise will make payment to media Tech instead of City Hall.
Though the reported agreement has not gotten off grounds, already Liberians have begun expressing displeasure, saying such deal was not in the interest of even Monrovia City Corporation and the Liberian business community.
"I think city hall should not give exclusive right to any company. I think City Hall should set criteria or standardize placement of sign board in the city. When that is done, it will be good. Even that deal, is not good for City Hall itself, "Richard Kollie, a University of Liberia Student said.
Some members of Liberian Business Association (LBA), who were contacted via cellphone expressed displeasure over the news. They noted that advertising is one area exclusively set aside for Liberians and to give it to a foreign company is something that both LBA and Liberia Chambers of Commerce need to resist to the end.
Efforts to hear from MCC boss didn't materialize as her mobile phone appeared to be of after several attempts to get in touch.
A senior official at MCC who declined to be named denied the allegations. He said: "Media Tech wants to rent 300 light poles in the city and they want to lease certain parts of the city so that they can look for client".
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I am very sorry to hear this.What is Us$180,000? Liberians,Please put on your thinking Cap.Leasing Out Portion of the city of MONROVIA for Billboards for US$180,000? Sister Saytumah,You must be joking.Monrovia is almost 161years old. Let me suggest to you that the days of not looking at the dignity of our county are long gone. Please, in the name of God reverse the contract.
Thank you,
Rev. Ramberlee B. Yarnlay Atlanta,Georgia
I am very sorry to hear this.What is Us$180,000? Liberians,Please put on your thinking Cap.Leasing Out Portion of the city of MONROVIA for Billboards for US$180,000? Sister Saytumah,You must be joking.Monrovia is almost 161years old. Let me suggest to you that the days of not looking at the dignity of our county are long gone. Please in the of God reverse the contract.
Thank you,
Rev. Ramberlee B. Yarnlay Atlanta,Georgia