By: Haddy Touray
Stakeholders in the building and construction industry in rural Gambia have called on the government to urgently intervene in the acute cement shortage that continues to affect livelihoods and cripple economic activity.
Several stakeholders who spoke to this medium blamed the crisis on government policy, particularly the high tariffs on cement imports by land and the monopolisation of the cement market by a few companies unable to meet national demand.
“There is no cement in Farafenni and the surrounding villages. This has been the case for over two weeks,” said Ousman Krubally, a cement storekeeper. “Everyone from storekeepers to masons, contractors, donkey/horse cart riders is feeling the pinch. We are in a state of despair because there’s no cement, and therefore, no work.”
Krubally noted that the shortage became more severe following the government’s 80% tariff increase on land-imported cement. He said before the tariff hike, cement was readily available in town, but since the change in policy, the sector has been facing repeated crises.
“There are thousands of youths working in the cement business who are now out of work. The situation is devastating. The government must lift the high tariffs and stop favouring companies that have failed to meet national demands,” he added.
He further explained that the monopoly in the cement sector was not delivering the expected outcome. “Instead of cheaper prices, we are seeing prices increase weekly. A bag of cement now costs over D400. This clearly shows that the monopoly is not working and requires urgent government intervention,” he suggested.
Ali Joof, a donkey cart rider in Farafenni, echoed the same concerns, saying many youths like him are jobless due to the cement shortage. “Since this cement policy came into effect in 2023, rural youths have been suffering. The government must act,” he said.
Alhagie Touray, a well-known cement dealer in Farafenni, called on the Ministry of Trade to urgently review the policy. “Government’s efforts to empower cement packaging companies have failed at the expense of the masses,” he said. “The ongoing shortage has far-reaching impacts on banks, wholesalers, retailers, and construction workers. We appeal for a policy revision for the sake of the people.”
Many others interviewed shared similar sentiments, all pointing to the urgent need for government action to stabilise the cement supply chain.
