LV President Maga and officials walk past
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SV banner
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SV President and party past guard of honour
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SV banner and people looking on (2 shots)
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SV President and others (2 shots)
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SV President speaking (2 shots)
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SV foundation stone uncovered
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SV President and others watch
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SV President and others laying foundation stone (3 shots)
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Initials CG/JH/BJ



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Dahomey's President Hubert Maga laid the foundation stone on Friday for a new cement factory at Onigbolo which is destined to provide a great boost for the country's economy.

When the factory is complete, it will have a potential cement output of 400,000 tons a year. As Dahomey will only require 100,000 tons for internal use, the rest will go to neighbouring countries as a money-winning export.

It's estimated that limestone sources in the area will keep the factory producing cement for at least a hundred years, with a total output expectancy of 38 million tons.

Onigbolo, a small zone South East of Cotonou, was unheard of until ten years ago, when huge resources of limestone were discovered in the area. Local inhabitants have been looking forward ever since to the building of the factory. This will mean less unemployment in the area, and the provision of electricity and running water.

Several overseas countries, including Spain, have offered financial guarantees for the assured future of the factory.