By Seedy Jobe
Jah Oil Company plans to significantly expand its cement production capacity in the coming months as demand for building materials continues to rise across The Gambia, the company’s general manager said in a recent interview.
Speaking to Kerr Fatou, the general manager, Momodou Hydara, said the company currently produces about 150,000 bags a day and expects to increase output to 200,000 bags once operations reach full capacity.
“We are pushing very hard to commission our second 200,000 bags in Bafuloto by the end of December or early January,” Mr. Hydara said.
He added that the company has reinvested its earnings into strengthening its production infrastructure, including facilities in rural communities. Jah Oil, he said, aims to double capacity to 400,000 bags for its cement operations alone.
“We have not been enjoying everything we have made. We’ve plowed it back into the sector again by bumping up investment,” he said.
Mr. Hydara noted that other major producers, including Gacem and Salam, are also expanding output, signaling broader investment in the sector. He said government measures to support the industry require sustained private investment.
“The government didn’t just pass this measure and then say, ‘Fold your hands and enjoy.’ No,” he said.
The reinforced production capacity at Jah Oil is expected to improve cement availability nationwide and help meet the construction sector’s growing appetite for materials.