By Dawda Baldeh
The Cement Importers Association says it is working to increase supplies from Senegal to 100 trucks a day in an effort to stabilize soaring cement prices in The Gambia.
Speaking to The Fatu Network, the association’s Secretary General, Modou Jobe, stated that the current daily supply of 70 trucks is insufficient to meet demand.
“Currently, we have 70 trucks entering the Gambian market daily; we want to increase that to 100 trucks a day to help reduce costs,” he stated.
Mr Jobe argued that allowing more trucks to transport cement from Senegal would boost competition and give consumers more choice. “The government should permit individuals to import cement so that prices can decrease,” he remarked, adding that supply is falling short of market demand.
“The more cement we have available, the lower the prices will be. If there is sufficient cement in the market, it will be challenging for anyone to inflate prices, as it would hinder their ability to make sales,” he said.
On quality, Mr Jobe said two grades of cement — 32.5 and 42.5 — are being imported from Senegal for both domestic and industrial construction. “The cement we import is of higher quality than that produced by local companies,” he claimed.
He blamed rising prices on limited supply, accusing retailers of “exploiting” the situation. “Cement is a basic commodity, and if it is unavailable, it will negatively impact our economy. There will be no work for carpenters, builders, welders, electricians, painters, and others,” he explained.
Mr Jobe warned that shortages would affect every sector and disrupt incomes, urging the government to allow more imports from Senegal.
He disclosed that imported cement is priced between D415 and D450 per bag, depending on location. “This price is all-inclusive, meaning it covers loading, offloading, and transportation costs. We wish for it to be lower, but the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) imposes a D30 excise tax on each bag,” he said.
By Dawda Baldeh The Cement Importers Association says it is working to increase supplies from Senegal to 100 trucks a day in an effort to stabilize soaring cement prices in The Gambia. Speaking to The Fatu Network, the association’s Secretary General, Modou Jobe, stated that the current daily supply of 70 trucks is insufficient to The Fatu Network
