Gambians generally survive through the informal sector. Government and formal private companies are not major employers of the Gambian population.
The vast majority of Gambians either survive through farming or self-employment through the running of small scale or medium size enterprises. Cement importation by road from Senegal has been a major driver of the construction industry in The Gambia. The cost of importation of cement from Senegal and its transportation by land has resulted in lower market price than cement that is shipped to The Gambia.
In a consumer-focused economic system, government should promote any form of importation that would not increase inflation but would rather result in lower prices for the final consumer. It has therefore been a puzzle why cement importation from Senegal by road has first been discouraged by the conditions laid to govern the importation and the final restriction imposed for cement to be only imported by shipment.
The cement importers affected decided to abide by the rule of law by taking their concerns to court. The high court in Banjul has spoken after hearing arguments from lawyer on whether the court was competent to hear the case of the cement importers. The presiding judge, in his ruling, stated that, they are not makers of the law but are interpreters of the law.
The case was struck out. Foroyaa is publishing the and will find out from their lawyer what will be done next to resolve this matter that is having far reaching effect on the cost of construction in this country, especially residential buildings.
