Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang Esq, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji has raised serious concerns over the soaring cost of construction and the declining quality of building materials in The Gambia, calling the current situation “deeply concerning” and in urgent need of reform.
In a strongly worded statement, Hon. Sanyang highlighted the sharp increase in the prices of construction materials in recent years. He says that what once cost under D3 million to build a standard bungalow now exceeds D5 million based on current market rates.
“There isn’t a single construction material that hasn’t significantly appreciated in price,” he noted, adding that the financial burden on Gambians aspiring to build is becoming unsustainable.
But beyond the price surge, Hon. Sanyang pointed to a more alarming trend; the steady decline in the quality of construction materials available on the market. “This is a recipe for disaster,” he warned. “Even more disturbing than the price surge is the deterioration in the quality of many construction materials.”
Recalling his own experience as a project supervisor, Hon. Sanyang said he was once labelled a “difficult consultant” by contractors for insisting on strict adherence to specifications and for rejecting substandard materials and work.
“My strict adherence to quality was, and still is, crucial for ensuring structural integrity and safety,” he said.
He called on consultants and contractors to uphold professional standards by closely following contract specifications and not compromising quality for profit or speed.
Hon. Sanyang also urged institutions awarding contracts to ensure transparency and due diligence in their bidding and evaluation processes. “Only competent and qualified contractors should be awarded projects,” he emphasized.
According to him, failure to enforce standards and supervise properly could result in future catastrophes, particularly in residential and public infrastructure.
“This collective effort is essential to safeguard the future of construction in The Gambia,” he concluded.