By: Nyima Sillah
Business operators around the Greater Banjul Area have expressed satisfaction with their business transactions, as many of them said, businesses are booming as they prepare ahead for the annual celebration of Eid-ul-Adha commonly known as Tobaski across Senegambia.
Many traders spoke with optimism that this year’s sales will bring many profits compared to the previous years when the coronavirus pandemic inflicted difficulties, and pains and weighed down businesses across the country.
However, it is said that this year, a lot of things are in control and sales are back to normal.
Speaking to The Voice, Alassan Genj, a businessman from Senegal said “this year business is flourishing compared to the previous years when they pay transport all the way from Senegal to the Gambia, but end up going back empty.
“I am pleased that sales are going normal like they used to be before the pandemic hit the world. People are coming out on daily bases and we are looking forward to seeing more and more people because we still have some days to go before Tobaski,” he expressed relief.
He revealed that Senegal and Gambia inter-trade is supportive by both nationals, with some of them with the comforts of buying goods from Senegal and trading them in The Gambia and it makes traveling easier for the vendors.
In a similar trade development, trader, Aji Yam Secka, accepts that “business is profit and lost, during the Covid-19 period, my business was almost down, but I never gave up, and this year, thank God we can say the business has definitely improved,” she said.
She added that people sell till late at night because some buy at night and they make discounts on all their products to attract customers and also finish up sales before the last day of what they locally call “Wanteer”.
Meanwhile, a hairdresser, Ndumbeh Loum, added that her saloon has been filled up since last week because a lot of people traveled to the province for the Eid so they always want to get set before the day. “I am happy with the turnout and I am expecting a positive result at the end. Thus, my only challenge is electricity, but I hope the issue will be resolved by the authorities before the last few days.”