The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, has laid the foundation stone for construction work to take off for the cement factory in Issongo-Bakingili, Limbe, Fako Division. He performed the ritual yesterday June 10 on behalf of the Prime Minister Head of Government in the presence of the South Korean Ambassador to Cameroon, Cho June Hyuck, among other dignitaries.

Dr. Fuh Calistus told the audience that the cement factory, a Cameroon-Korean initiative, would employ many hundreds of Cameroonians, produce from 800,000 to one million metric tons of cement yearly to satisfy the Cameroon needy market. The PM's envoy said the FCFA 35 billion project enjoys full government backing as it falls within the scope of the Head of State's vision aimed at generating revenue through mining projects and encouraging the processing of locally mined products. He explained that the cement factory would resolve the scarcity of cement in Cameroon and sustain supply on the domestic and sub-regional markets. The Secretary of State cited ten other projects underway to boost Cameroon's economy. The PM's envoy said "such a major project will enable the construction of a multipurpose wharf, which will mark the first stage in the development of the Limbe deep sea port."

The Korean partners assured that the cement factory project would start with the employment of some 150 people and progressively engage many hundreds in the future. Mr. S.K. Li, President of G-power cement plant, said production may begin in the next 24 months and that from now till December preparatory works will be carried out on the ground.

Speaking to Cameroon Tribune after the laying of the foundation stone, Elive Joseph, regent chief of Bakingili, expressed satisfaction that the 2,500 population of his village may find jobs. He further talked of royalties that would be discussed and made available to the village by the new company.