Monrovia – Construction works of what is expected to be the largest steel plant in West Africa has begun. The plant will begin operational soon in Monrovia, said Paul Sethi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sethi Brothers Incorporated.
Report by Gerald Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The plant is being constructed in the Chicken Soup Factory Community located in Montserrado County’s District 12 by Sethi Brothers to start to begin the production of steel from local scrap materials.
According to Sethi, who owns a chain construction-material stores in and around Monrovia, the construction of the plant was based on the request of the Government of Liberia under the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to boost the country’s industrial sector.
He noted that upon its completion in the next four months, the US$22 million plant will provide employment opportunities for over 1000 Liberians including residents of District #12.
On a guided tour with Montserrado County District#12 Rep. Dr. George Beyan Samah recently, Sethi disclosed that the mass production of steel rod will reduce the price of the commodity on the local market and boost the country’s economy.
He assured that the company will provide high-quality steel products such as squared pipes, steel round pipes, reinforcement steel bars and angle steels and services to meet the demand on the Liberian market and the West African sub-region.
In addition, Sethi assured residents of the host community that they will subsequently benefit from relevant corporate social responsibilities including the construction of a 1.4km concrete road at the cost of US$1.8 million — commencing from the main Somalia Drive corridor to the company’s facilities, safe drinking water and first-class public toilet facilities.
He commended the current administration and the district lawmaker for their cooperation. He called on them to ensure that scrap materials are reserved for the company to enhance production and boost the economy.
“We want the government to ensure that no scrap leaves the country as raw material so that it can be processed into steel with additional value. When we made the steel, the price will drop on the local market and when we export it, there will be additional value added and the country will generate more revenues. We will benefit, the government will benefit and when the government benefits, everyone will benefit,” he enthused.
Also speaking, the District #12 Rep., Dr. George Samah, lauded Sethi Brothers for investing in his district. He assured the residents of his unbending commitment in working with development partners to transform the district.
“The initiative taken by Sethi Brothers to construct a modern steel plant that will provide job opportunities for many Liberians, especially people of District #12 is laudable. On behalf of the people of District #12, we are grateful for this investment and we look forward for this venture to flourish so that our people will work and improve their living condition. Instead of sending it to foreign country, the steel will remain here, and this will add value to our currency. As your representative I will endeavor to plea with my colleagues in the House of Representatives so that no scrap will leave this country,” he stressed.