The Gambian government has said t is working to restore the country’s cement supply after port access problems left several vessels stranded offshore, triggering a nationwide shortage.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment said the disruption was caused by reduced draft depth along the Port of Banjul’s access channel, which has prevented large ships from docking.

Officials said a number of vessels carrying cement are currently anchored in deeper waters but cannot berth because the port’s channel is too shallow.

The ministry stressed that the situation is “purely infrastructural” and unrelated to government policy on cement importation.

The shortage comes as the government maintains its long-standing policy of supporting domestic cement production to boost investment, value addition and employment.

The Gambia Ports Authority has committed to speeding up dredging work to restore full access for vessels.

The ministry said all available resources have been deployed to ensure the work is completed “within the shortest possible time”.

To prevent similar disruptions in future, the government has also begun the procurement process to hire a specialised dredging company for long-term maintenance of the channel.

“As an interim measure, contractors working on major public and private projects will be allowed to import cement directly through companies already licensed under the Special Investment Certificate scheme. These firms must first seek clearance from the trade ministry.”

The government said more than 115,000 tonnes of cement currently sitting on mother vessels offshore should be able to enter the port in the coming days as dredging progresses.

It assures the public that supplies will stabilise once normal port operations resume and has promised further updates as new developments emerge.

By Adama Makasuba