By Kemo Kanyi
The Cement Importers Association of The Gambia has denied reports suggesting that it has received clearance from the government to resume cement importation, describing the claims as unfounded.
A businessman and member of the association, who spoke to The Voice on condition of anonymity, said the government has not granted clearance to private importers. Instead, he argued that authorities have allowed local manufacturers to take charge of cement importation from the Senegalese side of the border.
According to the source, only one company, Arafat, a holder of a Special Investment Certificate (SIC), is currently engaged in cement importation.
He noted that although the government has reduced the excise tax on imported cement to D30, the continued shortage and high prices are the result of what he described as a monopolised market structure.
The source maintained that granting clearance to multiple importers would ease the shortage and significantly reduce prices.
“If the government clears us to restart importation, we can bring in enough cement to address the shortage and reduce prices within one or two months. The current situation would become a thing of the past,” he said.
The government recently announced a reduction of the excise tax on imported cement from D180 to D30 per bag. However, as shortages persist, cement prices have reportedly risen to over D600 per bag in the market.
Meanwhile, the country’s main local producer, Jah Oil Company, has maintained a wholesale factory price of D390 per bag, according to its General Manager, Momodou Hydara.
Some Gambians have blamed the continued high prices on importers following the government’s announcement on tax reduction.
A contractor, Momodou Lamin Mass, a resident of Brikama, expressed frustration over the high cost of cement, citing its negative impact on contractors’ earnings.
He called on the government to open the sector to multiple market players to improve access and ensure affordable cement prices.
