N’Djamena’s construction material prices surge, straining budgets

Households and businesses in N’Djamena are grappling with a sharp rise in construction material prices, making building projects increasingly unaffordable. The upward trend in quincailleries across the capital has left many scrambling to adjust their plans.

Key materials see dramatic price hikes

The cost of essential building supplies has climbed steeply in recent weeks. For instance, lambour, previously priced at 3,000 FCFA, now sells between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Chevron has jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while planche blanche has surged from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. Even the widely used Dangote cement bag now retails at 11,000 FCFA, adding financial strain to construction efforts.

Import duties cited as the primary culprit

Quincaillerie owners point to the recent spike in customs tariffs on imported goods as the main driver behind these price increases. Higher taxes on materials like cement, steel, and wood have pushed up supply costs, forcing retailers to pass the burden onto consumers.

Mahamat, a quincaillerie manager, highlights the steep changes: « The new customs rates have doubled in some cases, making it nearly impossible to keep prices stable. »

With no immediate relief in sight, contractors, homeowners, and investors are reassessing their timelines and budgets, hoping for a gradual stabilization of prices.