By Mariama Njie & Nyima Sillah
A shortage of bread has again hit various towns and villages especially the Greater Banjul Area as bakers strike over high cost of flour.
Bread is one of the staple foods in the country which hundreds of people within Serrekunda and surround heavily depend on.
Speaking to Mustapha Jallow, a bakery owner at Serrekunda Bartez said: “we have not been operating since last Saturday due to the increment of flour price.”
“Nessim Trading Flouring Company in The Gambia has added 150 dalasi to the actual price of flour which is very expensive and not favorable to us,” he added.
According to him, the wholesale price is D1,535 while retail price D1,585 and at the market they are selling at D1,620.
“I did not shutdown my bakery because I wanted, I am a family man and not operating for the past three days, it affects me,” he said, adding that if the situation continues he might end up looking for another option to earn income.”
Muhammed Jallow, an employee at one of the Bakeries said: “I received a call from my boss yesterday (Monday) that we will not be operating until further notice and when I asked him, he said they have increased the cost of flour.”
“Shortage of bread is affecting the business and customers as well yesterday (Sunday) I did not sell bread because the bakery where I get my supplies is not operating. Today (Monday) I decided to go around Westfield to search other bakeries and luckily, I was able to have some bread but they also complained of increase of flour price,” Abubacarr Bah, shopkeeper in Serrekunda expressed.
Sainabou Fatty, a consumer said: “there is no bread in all the shops around our area and the issue is worrisome.”
