Africa-Press – Gambia. Scores of bazin and mobile phone traders in Bakoteh Market have complained bitterly about rent payments demanded in foreign currency by some shop owners as well as low sales being experienced in the market.
Speaking to a trader at Gora‘s Boutique, Edrissa Jatta expressed frustration over the matter and demanded urgent action from the authorities. “It is difficult to make sales especially in the rainy season. We have few customers because when it rains, it is difficult for the customers to visit the market. This is a big challenge to us, the traders. We depend on this business to feed our families and solve problems,“ he lamented.
Mr. Jatta stressed that the current economic condition is another factor that affected the business sector. “A lot of people are complaining about lack of money. It will be difficult for us to make sales without customers.” “We order most of our goods from Dubai, Australia, India and Senegal. As we know ordering involve huge amount of money. So, if we calculate all the expenses, we only have a little profit,” he said. But, he pointed out that the customers would not understand how challenging it was to obtain the goods from foreign countries.
He repeatedly cried out for government intervention as he alleged that the rent he paid monthly was demanded in foreign currency.
Ousman Saidy, another trader dealing in mobile phones reiterated that business was very challenging these days. He says trading needs a lot of sacrifice and commitment in the country. According to him, every businessman currently is facing challenge directly or indirectly.
He suggested that government should try and assist businessmen as matter of urgency.
When this reporter approached Malick Ceesay for comments, he was hesitant to speak due to what he called frustration and hardship in the country. He jokingly commented, “are you coming to give me money or what? When shall this hardship end?”
Another trader, Ahmad Jeng also lamented over the problems they continued to face. They said the government was doing very little towards solving their problems.
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