By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Many truck drivers and apprentices find themselves stranded at the Jah Oil Cement depot in Brikama due to significant delays in cement production, packaging, and supply chain operations. These delays are reportedly the result of a malfunctioning conveyor belt, which has disrupted the entire process.
As a result, the stranded workers’ mood is one of frustration and uncertainty as they await a resolution to the ongoing issues that have prevented them from continuing with their deliveries.
Several truck drivers who spoke with TAT at the Company’s gates on Friday morning described their situation as unbearable and frustrating. They had spent several days at the gate without receiving assistance or their supplies.
Amadou Bah, a truck driver, shared that he has been waiting in line for six days to load his cement supply but has yet to make any progress. He mentioned that it could take him another day or two to enter the factory complex to load the cement.
He described the situation as frustrating and costly for himself and his two apprentices. He noted that the longer he stayed, the more he had to pay for food, water, and other necessities.
“Today is my fourth day here, and I cannot even enter the factory to get loaded. I cannot say when I will leave here. It may take me another two or three days before I get my turn to load,” Madi Barrow, another Truck driver, disclosed to TAT.
He added, “I have never experienced such a delay at the factory. Usually, I get loaded the very day I come here. We are all very concerned and frustrated because of the long wait to get loaded, coupled with the extra spending.”
Ahmat Kah, a truck driver from Jambur, informed TAT that he had spent three days at the cement factory. He implied that this situation affects their business, families, and other needs.s.
He mentioned that factory officials informed him about issues with the production machine’s conveyor belt. They noted that, as a result, production had significantly decreased, leading to a low supply.
Alieu Jallow described the situation and feelings of other drivers, noting that the lengthy queue at the Jah Oil Cement factory is taking a toll on them. He said this is compounded by the high food and water prices available at the factory site.
He said some drivers have to pay fares to Brikama or Farato to buy food and drinking water, adding that these are unbudgeted spendings that most drivers need to be wary of before coming to the factory.
An anonymous cement dealer has blamed the Gambian Government for the current situation, stating that the government has created a monopoly in the cement business by limiting suppliers to just a few. “These suppliers are unable to meet the market’s demand.”
The dealer also argued that cement packaging companies should be honest with the government and the public about their capacity to adequately supply the market.
“It’s very unfortunate; truck drivers must wait days without getting cement at the factory. I challenge Jah Oil to come out and clear the air about why this situation happened,” the cement dealer told TAT.
TAT reported cement shortages at some retail shops in Jimpex, but the information cannot be independently verified.
Many other Truck drivers found at the company’s outside gates explained similar stories, calling on the Gambia Government, especially the Ministry of Trade, to intervene and address the situation.
As we went to press, we were unsuccessful in speaking with the CEO of Jah Oil Company to clarify the development.
Meanwhile, The Cement Importers and Traders Alliance of The Gambia has alleged that local cement bagging companies are underfilling their bags and selling them as 50 kg to consumers. This includes Jah Oil, which the Ministry of Trade has since ordered to repackage its products after being found guilty of underfilling the 50 kg bags of cement.
This comes after the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), responsible for consumer protection, warned those involved in the practice to stop such illegal activities.
The members alleged that some local bagging companies are underfilling the 50kg bags of cement they sell to the public by bagging 41-48 kg and passing them off as 50kg bags. They consider this practice to be cheating and a violation of market rules.
