By: Momodou Justice Darboe
A top member of the Cement Importers and Traders’ Association (CITA) said the association could take a legal action against the government if the negotiations for the reduction of cement levy fail.
The member, who was speaking under condition of anonymity, informed this reporter that other options such as going down the legal path with the government could be explored if no headway could made in the talks.
The Gambia government continues to maintain its stance, regarding the 500% increase in bagged cement levy.
“If the negotiations for the tariff reduction crash, we would be forced to institute legal action against the ministers of trade and finance for economic loss and destruction of livelihoods. We will rely on national laws and ECOWAS treaties to ensure that our rights are respected,” the source stated.
The source added that more members of CITA and some players in cement business have been threatened with the brutal prospect of being swept deeper down the poverty line.
Meanwhile, the government insisted that the new levy is here to stay as it was introduced to protect “local cement producers”.