By Amadou Manjang
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has raised concerned about the persistent ongoing cement crisis affecting consumers, businesses, and the broader national economy.
The premier representative institution of the private sector said the continuous disruption in stable supply of cement in the country have impacts prices and distribution, therefore posing significant risk to economic stability and consumer confidence in public policy.
The Chamber said they have conducted an extensive consultation with key stakeholders and realized the challenges in the cement industry impacting supply and prices is caused by infrastructural challenges at Banjul Ports.
It further added that high transport tariffs imposed by truck owners transporting cement orders, besides, retailers' pursuit of higher margins leading to higher final consumer prices have also affects cement supply and price in the country.
It recommended that government should accelerate infrastructural development at Banjul Ports , liberalize the cement market on reciprocal terms with Senegal, implement and enforce transport and logistics fare, and regulate retailer margins to avoid exorbitant prices.
“As the voice of the Gambian business community, we affirm our commitment to supporting a competitive, predictable, and fair market environment, regulatory transparency and the implementation monitoring of industrial policy. We encourage sustained dialogue with key market players to ensure a smooth operation of the industry.” the industry said.
Cement is a strategic commodity anchoring the construction sector which is the largest contributor to the industrial output, impacting infrastructural development, industrial production and employment.
