Car Wash Operator Seeks Support For Youth Empowerment

By: Peter Kollie|Correspondent 

Zorzor City, Lofa County – Monday,April 14, 2025- A local carwash  manager in Zorzor City, Lofa County has made a clearance call for a joint effort to give hope to underprivileged youths in that  part of Liberia. Speaking in an interview with a local journalist in the north-western county of Liberia, Kollie Flomo used the opportunity and called on is central government and humanitarian organizations to come to their aid in adding value to youths of Zorzor and its environs. He told our reporter that as part of beginning the process, he started a local carwash business in Zorzor in 2017 to sustain he and his family.

“I didn’t want to be roaming the streets doing nothing, so I decided to do car wash to support my wife and children,” he said. Flomo noted that the income generated from the car wash helps him cater to essential needs such as food, medical expenses, school fees, house rent, and savings for his children’s future.

He however lamented that despite the positive impact of the business, people mock he and others involved in the car washing venture, but was quick to point out that he remains proud of his “hustle”. According to him, the car wash business is his best source of income at the moment.

Besides mockery the car washers receive from others, he pointed at criminal activities around their car wash center as a major challenge. Flomo alleged that individuals from ‘Little Ganta’, a nearby town about 25 minutes from Zorzor, often come to gamble at night near his car wash center—an activity he said damaged a kitchen near his business center.

Mr. Flomo is calling on the community watch forum to intervene and help restore order in the area.

Asked about the management of income generated from the business, Flomo said each worker is encouraged to manage their own earnings, as everyone has personal responsibilities.

He added that there has been no form of support from the community or government since the inception of the business.

Remaining focused, Flomo now encourages more young people to engage in productive ventures like car washing to be useful in society.

Flomo said he has appealed to District #5 Representative, Augustine B. Cheiwolo and the government of Liberia to assist them with zinc to construct a structure to protect customers sun and rain aimed at improving their services. 

He wants young people to join the car washing business rather than staying idle and be involved with acts that will bring them in conflict with the law.

Also speaking to reporters, Kerzoe Yougie, another car wash operator, said he was introduced to the trade by a friend in late 2023. He explained that the job has helped him to earn money to buy clothes, save, and purchase personal items.

Yougie, currently a 12th-grade student at the Zorzor Central High School, expressed gratitude to his father for supporting his education but noted that he sometimes contributes to school fees to ease the burden on his parents.

“Car wash is not a bad job. It’s a hustle that can help you sustain yourself,” Yougie said.

He further mentioned the recurring challenge of missing buckets at his car wash center allegedly taken by unknown individuals often disrupts their work. 

Yougie agreed with Flomo’s call for support from local authorities and the government, especially the provision of a water pump machine as the rainy season approaches.

Both men emphasized the importance of empowerment for young people and urged the community to support initiatives that promote self-reliance and productivity.

They hope that people can listen to their cry and quickly intervene.

Edited: Esau J. Farr| Sub-Editor