Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, is experiencing a quiet revolution. For years, the women who keep the town’s fisheries sector moving have fought a difficult battle against a persistent enemy: spoilage. Without reliable cold storage, much of the fish arriving on shore never made it to the market on time. Families lost income. Businesses suffered. Potential slipped away. On 12 March 2026, that cycle began to break.

A Facility Powered by the Sun and Built for Women

The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially commissioned a solar‑powered prefab cold storage facility designed specifically to strengthen the livelihoods of women fish processors and traders.

Constructed under the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP)—a flagship, co‑funded initiative between the Government and UNDP—the new cold room has a 28‑metric‑ton capacity and was certified operational by UNDP engineers and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).

Its purpose is simple but transformative, reliable, renewable, community‑owned cold storage that protects fish, reduces waste, and boosts income.

“Things Will Be Different for Us Now.”

For women in Robertsport, the cold storage facility represents far more than a building.

Sao G. Kromah, President of the Robertsport City Women Association, explained the struggle.

“One of the major challenges we faced was fish spoilage. The men would go fishing, but we had no cold place to keep the fish. Many times, it spoiled before we could sell it. With this cold storage facility, things will be different for us.”

For many women, spoilage hasn’t only meant losing income, but it has meant watching hours of work disappear overnight. Yatta S. Kiatamba, the Association’s Financial Secretary, shared how the new storage will reshape their operations.

“Sometimes we lost fish because we had nowhere safe to keep it. Some were spoiled and some were stolen when left outside. Now we have a safe place to store our fish so we can sell it the next day. This will protect our businesses and increase our income.”

Their voices underscore the facility’s true impact of security, dignity, and economic empowerment.

Leadership Affirms the Facility’s Transformative Potential

At the commissioning ceremony, leaders emphasized the importance of thoughtful, sustainable development. UNDP Resident Representative Aliou M. Dia highlighted that the value of infrastructure lies in how communities use and manage it.

“This cold storage facility will support women’s businesses and help reduce post‑harvest losses. What matters most is how it benefits communities.”

Dia added that Grand Cape Mount holds immense potential rich in marine resources, natural beauty, and opportunities for growth.

Representing the Minister of Gender, Chief of Office Staff Mike Fayiah‑David hailed the facility as a milestone for women.

“This is more than infrastructure. It is a symbol of hope and opportunity. By reducing spoilage and improving storage, women can expand their markets, increase their earnings, and strengthen their families.”

NaFAA Director General J. Cyrus Saybe Sr. echoed the importance of sustainability. “This represents a major investment in the fisheries value chain. Proper management will ensure women fully benefit and expand their businesses.”

A Step Toward Stronger, More Resilient Communities

The new cold storage facility is part of broader ACDP efforts to expand rural development across Liberia, from agriculture and health services to water, sanitation, and livelihoods.

Since 2022, thousands of rural residents have benefitted from tools, training, and infrastructure that support stable, long‑term progress. By providing renewable‑energy‑powered cold storage, Robertsport is now positioned to reduce post‑harvest losses, strengthen food security, boost income for women traders, support resilient, climate‑smart livelihoods.

UNDP remains committed to supporting the Government of Liberia in advancing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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