By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Momodou Hydara, Managing Director of Jah Oil Company, has firmly dismissed rumors of a cement shortage at the company’s factory, attributing the long queues of trucks to the overwhelming demand for Jah Oil’s cement, a favorite among contractors and masons. In an exclusive interview with TAT on Saturday, August 22, Hydara clarified that the company is well-stocked, with two vessels carrying 44,000 and 53,000 metric tonnes of cement currently docked at Banjul Seaport.
“There is no shortage of cement,” Hydara stated emphatically. “If we were out of stock or awaiting delayed shipments, one could claim a shortage. But our vessels are here, and our factory is fully operational. The notion of a shortage is false and misleading.” He explained that the high demand for Jah Oil’s cement, widely praised for its quality, has led to persistent queues, a trend he expects to continue even in the dry season. “The whole country knows that for quality cement, you go to Jah Oil. When everyone comes to us, lines will form,” he said.
Hydara highlighted the challenges of handling cement during the rainy season, noting that vessel operators halt offloading at the slightest sign of rain to avoid liability for damaged goods. “Cement is the most difficult product to manage in the rainy season,” he said. “When bad weather hits, operations stop until the skies clear, causing delays beyond our control.” These delays, he added, impact production schedules, but the company is actively addressing the issue.
To meet the surging demand, Jah Oil is expanding its production capacity by 250,000 bags per month, with the new plant set to be operational by October. “This expansion will significantly reduce waiting times,” Hydara assured, expressing gratitude for the public’s patience while emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting customer needs.
Truck drivers at the factory gates echoed Hydara’s sentiments about weather-related delays. Foday Manneh, Balla Drammeh, and Modou, interviewed by TAT, confirmed waiting up to two days to load cement, attributing the delays partly to bad weather since early August. They urged Jah Oil to expedite its expansion to alleviate the strain on drivers, citing increased costs for food and drinks and customer complaints due to delays.
Hydara’s assurances come as Jah Oil’s cement continues to dominate the market, with contractors and masons increasingly specifying it for its reliability. “We’re not complaining about the demand,” Hydara said. “It’s a good thing, but we ask for understanding as we work to serve everyone efficiently.”
As Jah Oil prepares to launch its expanded facility, the company remains focused on maintaining its reputation as The Gambia’s leading cement supplier, even amidst seasonal challenges. With new infrastructure on the horizon, long queues may soon be a thing of the past.
