A port delay, by definition, is temporary. But a nationwide supply shock of this magnitude signals something far deeper: the absence of competition that should benefit the Gambian Consumer.
Mr President, the root cause is protectionism — not logistics. In 2021, the Government introduced punitive excise taxes on imported bagged cement, pushing costs from D30 to as high as D180 per bag, effectively disincentivising importers and shrinking market competition.
This is classical economic distortion which should be corrected immediately. A competitive market would have absorbed the shock.
In a healthy market structure, if one importer is delayed, others step in. Supply gaps close quickly. Prices remain stable. Economic activity continues uninterrupted.
But when competition is deliberately suppressed, we hand monopoly-like power to a few operators whose capacity was never tested, never scaled, and never disciplined by competition.
Economic Implications: A Nationwide Ripple Effect
Mr President, cement is not just another commodity. It is the lifeblood of infrastructure, housing, and private investment. A cement shortage has cascading consequences:
Construction delays & cost overruns
Projects stall. Contractors face penalties. Investors lose confidence.
Inflationary pressure: Rising cement prices feed into housing costs, rental prices, and overall inflation — punishing ordinary Gambians.
Job losses: Construction — one of the largest employers of youth — slows down dramatically.
Investment flight: Both local and foreign investors view such market volatility as a red flag.
Reputational damage: The Gambia risks being perceived as a high-risk market where policy missteps can cripple key sectors overnight.
Mr President, the way forward is clear. The cement crisis is an avoidable policy lapse, and its lessons should guide immediate corrections:
Remove punitive excise taxes on imported bagged cement.
Restore competition.
Diversify supply channels. Let the market breathe again.
Enforce transparent market regulation.
Encourage investment in domestic production — but through competition, not protectionism.
Develop strategic inventory buffers.
Essential commodities require contingency planning.
In conclusion, Mr President, the cement crisis is not just a market failure — it is a policy failure. We must face this reality with honesty and urgency. Availability and affordability are central to economic resilience, investor confidence, and consumer protection, then now is the moment to recalibrate. This crisis can — and must — become a turning point.
Mr President, it is also essential to mention that Jah Oil has built a cement factory in Farafenni, which can contribute increasingly to easing the shortage and rising price of cement in the country, hence they deserve applause, support and patronage from the government and consumers, as it would help to decrease the crisis and even create more job opportunities for youths in the country.
Good day!