By Binta Jaiteh
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment has said the reason for shortage of flour was due to production problems encountered by Gambia Milling Company and Nessim.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, the sudden shortage of bread in the country was due to production problem and lack of power supply explained by the two milling companies. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment has noted with concern the shortage of bread and flour in the country for the past few days.
“The flour sector in The Gambia is supported through a range of incentives for the industrialization of the country. This is important to ensure long term economic growth and there are two flour milling companies in the country, GMC Corporation and Nessim Company Ltd,” the Ministry stated.
“The shortage in flour was due to production problems encountered by these two companies simultaneously; a rare occurrence in the history of the sector. In the case of Nessim, it was due to lack of power supply from NAWEC compounded by faulty generators whilst for GMC, it was due to power supply issues and a delay in receiving wheat supplies due to freight issues,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry however said: “The ship carrying the stock for GMC is expected to arrive in Banjul on 26th January 2022, the power issues are now resolved and production has started. Flour supplies are now flowing and the bakers should have adequate supply of flour by Saturday January 15, 2022. However, MOTIE will continue to its engagements with NESSIM and GMC on the pricing issue with a view to minimizing increments.”
The Trade Ministry also noted that the issue has been resolved and the production of flour has started, adding “The power issues are now resolved, and production has started. Flour supplies are now flowing, and the bakers should have adequate supply of flour by Saturday January 15, 2022.”
