Respite, as PSML begins resuscitation of moribund DSC

Reprieve looks likely on the way for moribund Delta Steel Company, Ovwian/Aladja, Delta State, as the revamping process is said to commence soon.

Chief Executive Officer of Premium Steel and Mines Ltd, Mr. Prasanta Mishra, gave the assurance at the weekend in Aladja, Udu Local Government Area.

He said that the process of revamping the moribund steel plant would begin soon in the business interest of all stakeholders.

Mishra, who called for the continued support of the host communities for the company to achieve the feat, disclosed that the laid out programme for the revitalization of the plant is in three phases.

According to him, the first phase is concerned with the rolling mill using the state-of-the-art technology and balance of the plant, including utilities.

He added that the company would soon kick-start the rolling mill section in the interest of all.

The Phase Two and Three, he disclosed, comprise steel melting shop, DRI, Pellet plant raw material handling system, integrated facility unit revamping as well as adding two new rolling mills in downstream and that all feasibility studies by world-class consultants are on the verge of completion to formulate the road map towards revamping the company.

“Premium Steel and Mines Limited is positively looking towards AMCON to clear all liabilities to previous staff and various other agencies like NGC, BEDC, NPA, NIWA, Customs, tax department of the state and Federal government to enable us kick-start the plant smoothly.

We have enjoyed cordial relationship with the host Udu community since our coming and we hope to sustain the tempo in the interest of the Aladja Steel Plant which promises to engage thousands of professionals, skill and un-skill labourers beside the multiplier effects of a viable Steel Plant to our people,” he noted.

He promised a win-win situation for both the Federal Government and the local economy when lots of the young graduates are employed to drive the plant.

Mishra also informed that discussions were on-going with the relevant institutions to get supply of gas to power the plant for stable operation during projects and production.

It will be recalled that the Delta Steel Company was a major employer of labour in the area before it went moribund as a result of corruption and mismanagement.