SVETLOGORSK, 17 May (BelTA) – A sulfated bleached pulp plant will be commissioned in Q4 2019. Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Rumas made the statement as he visited Svetlogorsk Pulp and Board Mill on 17 May, BelTA has learned.
Sergei Rumas said: “The production of sulfated bleached pulp is one of the largest projects being implemented in Belarus. The enterprise is now operating in a pilot production mode. Unfortunately, we've been unable to come to terms with the Chinese general contractor recently and get it to honor its contractual commitments and commission the plant. We are doing it using our own resources.”
The prime minister continued: “Due to the lack of a general contractor unpleasant incidents may happen like partial roof cave-in. It is an unpleasant yet unavoidable thing when the plant has to be commissioned not exactly in line with instructions, which provide for commissioning the facility by a general contractor.”
Nevertheless, according to Sergei Rumas, the enterprise is steadily operating at 60% of its capacity, the staff has already received the necessary experience. “The head of state's instructions to commission this plant in Q4 2019 will be definitely fulfilled,” the head of government assured.
Taking into account the abnormal commissioning of the plant, Svetlogorsk Pulp and Board Mill and the Belarusian timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry concern Bellesbumprom have submitted some proposals to the government. “We understand the complexity of the situation. The government is going to make decisions. Because commissioning the plant is our common task, not a task the enterprise or the concern has to accomplish alone. It is a government task, too,” the prime minister said.
As for financial aid, a request has been submitted to consider paying debts to the Export-Import Bank of China in 2019 out of funds of the Finance Ministry instead of the enterprise's. “Money flow will allow the enterprise to service the loan on its own starting 2020. Taking into account the delayed commissioning of the plant, we understand the situation and a one-year respite will be granted. We want this large enterprise to work,” Sergei Rumas concluded.
