The piece of land at the Base Elf initially acquired for the construction of a cement factory by the Nigerian multinational, Dangote Group, has been officially handed over to the Group. Douala City Council, acting under a recent Presidential instruction lifted the ban on May 28. As a result, work effectively started on Tuesday June 5, 2012 following the delivery to the company of the Council’s Temporary Construction Permit on June 4.

The move, which follows government’s steadfast ambition to speed up investments in the country while at the same time meeting the local demand for cement, has come to defeat speculations of a failed deal given controversial claims over the land by some indigenes.

Onsite workers and company staff had very little or no time talking to the press yesterday, as they were busy working, struggling to catch up with the 18-month scheduled fixed for the completion of the cement factory. At press time bulldozers leveled the ground where the factory will be built, while constructors laid the foundation for the main gate. Already at least five containers of factory equipments are on the spot.

A staff of the Dangote Group in Douala, who asked not to reveal his identity, said they may not actually meet up with set time, but said all is well they have re-started and all the parties involved with the land are happy. “Negotiations were entirely carried out by the government of Cameroon. We had no part to play in it, but to thank the government for its engagement,” our source explained.