The investment of nearly FCFA 12.5 billion in a steel project in Ombe that will create 500 jobs has been hailed as a giant stride towards making Cameroon an emerging country by 2035. This was the main message of Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development during the official laying of the foundation stone of the Guff Steel Industries in Ombe near Mutengene last Friday July 20.
In this address, the Secretary of State re-echoed government’s support for such initiatives geared towards greater economic growth especially in an industry specialised in the processing of scrap and waste metal. He assured the investors that Cameroon is not only an investment haven but government will spare no effort to develop its industrial base and provide an enabling environment based on mutual trust, competitiveness and profitability. As such, he advised investors to take advantage and invest in the South West which stands in an ideal situation in this era of industrialization. But he cautioned that it is not just producing raw material but there is need for local processing, quality assurances and conformity to environmental standards.
In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Guff Steel Industries Dr. Sigalla Clever announced that commercial production will begin in eight months. “We will not only produce different items but we will also produce quality zinc at affordable prices for both internal use and for export,” he informed the press. Mr. Suredj Autar of CEA FlevumAsia, assured that the Ombe investment project will bring about greater economic growth which will be positive for Cameroon and local business. The Secretary General of the Tiko Council Mrs. Nken Tamo Pamela hailed the new project which will help in job creation and offer a market especially in the provision of zinc for building.
