Ministers unveil latest gov’t initiatives, policies

At a press conference organised by the Ministry of Information at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center, the three ministers talked significantly about sports development, issues of land and price of cement in the country.

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the minister of Information, dilated on the three cement packaging companies, such as: Jah Oil Multi Industry Ltd., Gacem and Salam. He informed that the country has enough cement provided by these three companies, adding that Jah Oil Multi Industry Ltd. currently has stock of 19000 metric tons of cement and by mid-June, it will have 29000 metric tons and 30660 metric tons at the end of June.

He revealed that Gacem cement has a stock of 6500 metric tons and aims to have 15000 metric tons by June 15. He said that Salam Company Ltd. also has 70, 200 metric tons of cement available.  

He further informed that wholesale prices has not changed since the introduction of the measure, adding that the wholesale price of 42.5R cement at Jah Oil remains at D355 per 50kg bag, whilst Gacem is at D388 per bag for the 42.5R with a wholesale price of the 32.5R. He said Salam is D330 per 50kg bag.

He further called on importers, distributors and retailers as well as stakeholders to directly contact factories to take advantage of the opportunities created by the cement value chain to support their businesses and livelihood.

Speaking on sports development, Bakary Badgie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, disclosed that his ministry allocated D2 million for the Gambia Handball Association for their preparation and participation of the Zone II Handball Competition held in Nouakchot, Mauritania, from 13th to 17th May.

He added that ahead of the Paralympic Games in France, which is slated between 25 August and 8 September 2024, the committee received D1.5 million to support the athletes’ journey and participation.

Badgie further disclosed that the Gambia Amputee Football Association were also given D2.6 million during their recent participation in Cairo Egypt.

Meanwhile, Minister Hamat N.K. Bah revealed the findings of a multi-sectoral taskforce which was instituted in 2023 to review the Kamalo land allocation processes.