MONROVIA, Montserrado – Several Coalition for Democratic Change supporters have commenced a weeklong cleaning campaign in Monrovia ahead of the January 22 inauguration of President-elect George Weah.

The cleaners, mainly youth and the elderly, were seen on Monday at the Catholic Hospital Junction along Tubman Boulevard with rakes, brooms, and white wash; cleaning and painting the sidewalks.

The cleaners were divided in different groups and being supervised by zonal heads in various districts

Eric H. Cantona, supervisor of the group from the 10^th electoral district in Montserrado, told The Bush Chicken that he was managing about 200 persons during the cleaning exercise.

“It is a voluntarily work without food and water,” Cantona said. But as the sun became even most hot, some of the cleaners were asking onlookers to help them purchase water to drink.

Cantona, a high school graduate, said he and other participants were not expecting any job from the new government in exchange for their labor. However, he said if they are given the opportunity to serve their country, he and his colleagues would accept the offer.

Diamond M. Whea was another volunteer helping to clean up the streets. “I am doing this work for the love of my country,” she said.

Though Whea said she needs a job, she said she has not been promised anything by CDC after the exercise. A high school graduate, Whea said she hopes to become a caterer.

According to her, she spends three hours cleaning the streets every day without being given water and food.

Diamond M. Whea dons a face mask. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Weah’s election appears to have inspired citizens-led initiatives, where his supporters do not wait for the central government before acting.

“We cannot leave everything with Weah and need to put our hands around him,” said Fatu Doe, one of the volunteers who worked in the sweltering sun. “The metropolis needs to be beautified before the arrival of guests.”

Fatu Doe, a volunteer helping to clean Monrovia ahead of the inauguration. Photo: Zeze Ballah

She said she and her colleagues were trying to give Monrovia a facelift for guests who would be attending the inauguration. She said the voluntary cleaning exercise is not about money but for love of the country.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah