By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Construction workers, masons, and contractors across The Gambia are sounding the alarm over skyrocketing cement prices that have effectively frozen large-scale building projects and pushed many families to the brink of hardship.
Despite a government waiver allowing the importation of cement from Senegal and public assurances that prices would drop to D420 per bag, retailers continue to charge between D525 and D600, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
The crisis has left dozens of contracts stalled and workers struggling to survive. “I lost three contracts because of the lack of cement and the high price attached to it,” one mason told The Alkamba Times (TAT). “We have been running from one shop to another, but everywhere it’s expensive—between D525 and D625. I thought things would get better, but it’s only getting worse.”
Saloum Darboe, a contractor, described a similar ordeal. “I have D200,000 in hand to buy cement, but anywhere I go, the price is above D500. I cannot afford it at that rate. Three of my clients are disappointed because we agreed their projects would be completed by December. Now it’s impossible because of the cement shortage and these prices.”
Darboe placed much of the blame on local suppliers who had promised to flood the market with affordable cement once given the green light to import. “The government has done its part by issuing the waiver, but the businessmen who promised to bring down prices to D420 have failed. I appeal to the government to take action so that these promises are honoured; otherwise, others will do the same, and nothing will change.”
Sulayman Barrow, a homeowner attempting to build his own house, recounted his frustration. “I planned to buy 20 bags of cement, but I could only afford ten because the price was so high. Even then, I had to pay close to D600 per bag. The promises we heard are nowhere to be seen in the market.”
TAT contacted Momodou Jobe, an executive at Tali Logistics, one of the companies granted the government waiver to import cement from Senegal. Jobe acknowledged that his company had promised to sell cement at D420 per bag and stabilise the market. However, he attributed the current high prices to two main factors: an increase in government tax per bag from D30 to D35, and rising transportation costs.
Jobe also accused some retailers of “unscrupulously” hiking prices without his company’s approval. “We have advised all our retailers to sell at D460 in the Kombo area and D445 in the provinces,” he said. “At least three retailers have already been suspended for selling above these rates.” He insisted that Tali Logistics was not failing the Gambian public and claimed efforts were underway to bring in 100 truckloads of cement daily to increase supply.
When asked whether customers who paid inflated prices would be compensated, Jobe offered no response, only warning that retailers found violating the recommended prices would face “severe consequences.”
Meanwhile, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) says its hands are tied. Musa Darboe, Human Resources Manager at the GCCPC, explained that the Consumer Protection Act 2014 does not allow the commission to launch investigations on its own initiative. “Consumers must formally lodge complaints for us to act,” he said. “This is one of the biggest deficiencies of the Act. We are currently pushing for amendments that will allow us to be more proactive and investigate such matters without waiting for formal complaints.”
TAT’s own investigation into the cement market confirmed that prices remain far above the promised D420. Retailers at D550 are selling Senegalese cement imported by Tali Logistics to D600 in areas such as Old Yundum, Busumbala, and Brikama—nearly a week after the government permitted land importation from Senegal.
The investigation also found that Jah Oil Company cement, which the company claims is sold at D390 at its own outlets, is being resold by retailers at D525, D550, or D600. Jah Oil had recently condemned such mark-ups in a press conference.
Most retailers approached by TAT were reluctant or refused to issue receipts or invoices. Many categorically denied having any receipts, apparently fearing exposure to media scrutiny or regulatory action.
Efforts to reach Abdoulie Jallow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, for comment were unsuccessful despite repeated attempts.
The cement crisis has exposed deep vulnerabilities in The Gambia’s construction sector, which relies heavily on affordable building materials. With many contractors unable to secure cement at reasonable prices, projects remain stalled, workers are losing income, and families are facing increased financial pressure.
As the rainy season ends and construction activity typically slows, the high cost of cement has turned what should be a seasonal slowdown into a near-total halt for many. Workers and contractors are now calling on the government not only to enforce its import waivers but to hold suppliers and retailers accountable for the promises made to the public.
Until prices fall and supply stabilises, the construction industry warns that the dream of affordable housing and infrastructure development in The Gambia will remain out of reach for many.
