The Cement Importers and Traders Association has accused the government with exacerbating the current cement shortage and escalating prices in The Gambia, citing what it terms unjust and monopolistic import policies.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Baba Drammeh, a member of the association, expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision to impose high import duties on cement from Senegal, labelling the action as “illegal, wrong, and corrupt.”
“We believed firmly that the actions taken by the government were clearly unjust, unlawful, and corrupt.” It is essential to establish a market system that is both fair and transparent, allowing all participants in the cement trade to engage freely. “However, we have encountered a scenario in which the government has opted to conspire with a select few, disregarding us and the interests of the broader public,” he stated.
Drammeh highlighted that The Gambia is wholly dependent on imported cement, given that the country does not possess the natural resources—especially limestone—necessary for local production.
“To clarify, there are no companies present that produce cement.” All cement consumed in The Gambia is imported from abroad. He explained that we lack the natural resources necessary for cement production, noting that limestone, which is a crucial ingredient in cement manufacturing, is not available in Gambia.
He emphasised the economic effects of the import tariffs, pointing out that the price of cement has increased from around D370–D380 per bag to more than D470–D480 since the policy took effect. “Before the import ban, cement was available for D370, D380. Today, the price of cement exceeds D470, D480. That represents a notable increase in cost,” he stated.
He also points out that The Gambia uses more than 100,000 bags of cement each day, and with the recent increase in prices, the additional strain weighs significantly on everyday Gambians.
This is completely incorrect. In the Gambia, we utilise more than 100,000 bags of cement each day. The surge in cement prices exceeding D100 has resulted in increased costs for the Gambian consumer. He stated that this amounts to hundreds of millions of dalasis that the Gambian consumer is currently paying, which they were not paying prior to the ban on cement imports from Senegal.
Drammeh also highlighted that the association had cautioned about the possible repercussions of such a policy, including the ongoing shortage. It was stated, “We anticipated this occurrence; scarcity is currently the reality.” Cement is nearly impossible to find in the Kombos or even in the provinces at this time.
He remarked, “The individuals burdened with these costs are the teacher striving to construct that home, the policeman working to provide a house for himself and his family, and the young man and woman in Europe and America attempting to build a house, who now face significantly higher expenses,” he stated.
He also urged the government to rethink its decision, stating, “We call on the government. Monopolistic behaviour should never be encouraged. It is never beneficial for the consumer. The most effective method of price control is through open and fair competition in the marketplace.
