Construction projects in N’Djamena are facing severe setbacks as building material prices surge across hardware stores, pushing costs beyond the reach of most households and businesses.

The recent price hikes have affected a wide range of essential materials. Previously sold for 3,000 FCFA, lambour now commands between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Similarly, chevron has jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while plain white planks have escalated from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. Dangote cement bags, once priced at 8,500 FCFA, now retail at 11,000 FCFA.

Hardware store owners attribute the steep increases to sharp rises in customs duties on imported construction supplies. The new tariffs have more than doubled import costs, they report, placing an unsustainable burden on already strained budgets.

Local contractors and homeowners describe the situation as extremely challenging, with many forced to delay or scale back their projects. The surge in expenses is not only limiting access to housing but also stalling economic activity tied to construction.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter