Market vendors have raised concerns over the skyrocketing prices of market commodities especially during the month of Ramadan. They called for government’s intervention and rapid solution to help families and the needy people.
During Ramadan, market vendors in the country are facing challenges with the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities. Many are worried about the sudden increase in food prices, both for locally produced and imported products.
Speaking to this reporter, Aja Binta Marong says it’s not their intention to sell their food products at such high prices. She said left to them alone they would sell commodities at a more reasonable price. However, they have no choice as they also need to make some profit to feed their families.
She observes that The Gambia imports a lot of food, noting that this heavy dependence on import contributes to the price increase in the country.
“It seems like The Gambia imports almost everything, from onions and potatoes to tomatoes, rice, beans, and even fish, despite having a river here. It’s a sad reality, but it needs to be acknowledged,“ she stated.
On her part, Ramatoulie Jallow says what The Gambia needs is price control on imported food and locally grown agricultural products. Without such measures, she continued, things will continue to be very expensive.
“It’s disheartening to see the same cup of sugar or rice being sold at different prices, even though they were acquired at the same cost. Due to the lack of price control, some shopkeepers take advantage of the situation, aiming to become millionaires at the expense of poor people.“
According to Lamin Ceesay, the only solution to end this is by returning to the land. He said: “We have a vast arable land that is perfect for agricultural activities. However, many people are reluctant to venture into agriculture, which contributes to the difficulties we are facing. I don’t blame everyone, but some people deserve blame. Last year, the government failed to purchase the groundnuts from the farmers, despite promising to buy a ton at 38,000. This alone is discouraging and can make someone give up on farming.“
Awa Saidy, a vegetable seller, says life is becoming increasingly challenging in The Gambia. She observed that house rent is expensive, the cost of goods keep rising, and the government is forcing them to leave their small arears they occupy to sell goods and products.
“The increasing crime rate is as a result of the high cost of living and lack of employment. Having a job alone is not enough to sustain oneself unless you have family or friends in America or Europe who can assist you.“
She pleaded for the president’s help, as the situation is becoming unbearable.