By our Banjul Correspondent, Lamin Camara
As Gambia’s Economy continues to sink , Business people and buyers has raised their concern over the continuous deterioration of basic and essential commodities as the feast of Eid-Fitir commonly referred to as Koriteh is fasting approaching.
Muhammad Jallow a Guinean, who sells rice in a brief interview with this reporter at the Serrekunda Market said price of rice has increased significantly prompting him to reduce the amount of consignments he bought. He noted that as at now the prices of a bag of rice is pegged at D1,150 for the American Rice while Sadam is peg at D 1,100. “All these are contributing factors to the fall of business this year compared to last year” he said.
According to him, he bought the rice at a high price couple with the Value Added Tax (VAT) which in his opinion is killing both Gambian Business and Economy.
Fatou Saidy who sells tomatoes and onions, noted that she and her colleagues have realized big differences when they compare last year’s Koriteh and this year citing the price of commodities are skyrocketing like a wild fire, which needs to stop with immediate effect. Our business is very slow she said calling on the government to come up with a solution to address the situation before it will be too late.
Fatou Sanneh a customer who caught up with this reporter at the Brikama Market, said she found it very difficult to afford a bag of sugar at D1,325 noting that the current administration should address the plight of Gambian Tax Payers who she said are feeling the pain more especially the poor. She revealed that an administration cannot boost of development when its people are dying of hunger and starvation highlighting that it is time for Gambians to acknowledged that the administration has fail them since it could not provide them a suitable and conducive place to survive.
Musa Saine who sells women wear believes that the problem is as a result of the fall of the Gambian Dalasi against the dollar and other foreign currencies which is the main contributing factor for the price hikes creating a cause for concern.
Adama Colley a customer described the situation as the worst she has ever witnessed, stating that you will buy stuff week ago, only to come back and find it has increased up in price significantly. According to her, she bought a pair of shoes a week ago at D300, and when she came back the following week to buy the same pair of shoes it was increased to D400 without any explanation. Many Gambians have added their voices calling on the administration of President Jammeh to do something about the conditions or allow a free market economy where people can compete for better goods and services.