Kanilai Family Farms, a privately owned farm involved in providing products and services highly needed by Gambians, has announced its latest intervention, this time in the building and construction sector.

In a press release sent to the Daily Observer, the farm's management, expressing concern over "the rising prices of poor quality basic commodities", states that it is pleased to announce the arrival of a consignment of the highest quality of Portland cement, which it said will be sold to the public at the price of D205 per fifty kilogrammes bag. This low price, according to the release, is a deliberate move by the farm authorities as part of their drive to assist Gambians to be able to build decent housing.

The release went on to reassure the general citizenry that as the farm had succeeded in intervening in the baking industry, which move has indeed resulted in a significant improvement in the quality and size of bread sold in the community, so shall they intervene in any sector especially in the area of basic commodities "to make sure that Gambians have value for their money in terms of quality and quantity." "We hereby acknowledge the high demand on Kanilai bakery products," the release states, adding: "the capacity of which [the bakery] is very insufficient at the moment."

The farm authorities further assured the general public that the capacity of bakeries will soon be tripled to cater for the increasing demand, and that other outlets will be created to ensure that there is no more queuing for bread at the bakery.  Regarding the cement, Kanilai Family Farms also sought to make it very clear that no retailer will be allowed to sell it above D235 per bag in the Upper River Region, and not more than D215 per bag in the Greater Banjul Area. "The general public," the release warned, "is therefore advised to buy directly from Kanilai Farms outlets at D205 per bag."

The release concluded with a reassurance that Kanilai Family Farm will be opening outlets throughout the country, later, but for now the cement will be available at the Farm's stores in Banjul and Kanifing. Sale to the general public, it stated, will start this Thursday, March 26th 2009 in Kanifing.