By: Kemo Kanyi
Cement dealers in Farafenni have raised concern over a shortage of cement in the North Bank town, urging the Gambia government to reconsider lifting the embargo placed on Senegalese cement.
Over the weekend, several dealers told reporters that they traditionally sourced cement from Senegal for distribution in Farafenni and surrounding areas. They said the government’s embargo has severely disrupted their business, and warned that the problem could worsen after the rainy season, when demand typically rises during the dry months.
Sheikh Ahmed Tijan Cham, a cement importer in Farafenni, said all his trucks remained idle because he could no longer bring cement from Senegal. Expressing his frustration, he described the government’s embargo as a major threat to the sustainability of his business.
“It’s impossible to pay D180 per bag of cement and still make a profit. We are appealing to the Ministry of Trade and the President of the Republic to reconsider this decision. When I used to bring cement from Senegal, a bag cost D350. But today, everyone in Farafenni’s cement trade is feeling the burden. Things were much better when cement was coming from Senegal,” Sheikh Cham said.
Alhaji Kalilu Jawo, another importer, says he still has up to 6,000 bags in Senegal, which had been fully paid for before the embargo was imposed by the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA).
“My 6,000 bags of cement have been stuck in Sahel, Senegal for two years. This has affected me deeply, and I don’t know what to do,” he lamented.
Gibbi Jawo, a Farafenni dealer, also says he previously owned nine trucks, but four are now non-operational due to maintenance costs he cannot afford. He added that some drivers and apprentices who relied on him for salaries have also been forced out of work.
Momodou Secka, a tricycle operator who transports cement, describes life as extremely difficult for himself and colleagues. He said his tricycle was provided by a friend under payment by instalment agreement, but the slowdown in business made it nearly impossible to keep up with payments.
Musa Jobe, a labourer responsible for offloading trucks, added that he struggles to earn enough for basic needs and called on the government to review the cement situation urgently.
Dealers across Farafenni have argued that the embargo on Senegalese cement should be lifted to stabilize the market, reduce costs, and revive cement-related businesses that support livelihoods in the North Bank region.
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By: Kemo Kanyi Cement dealers in Farafenni have raised concern over a shortage of cement in the North Bank town,…
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