Almost a million euros. That's how much the controversial businessman Igor Šamiz owes the Electric Power Company (EPCG), which, with the consent of the Government, leased him the Steelworks' plants, the Steelworks and the Forge, last year, and then terminated the contract with him due to non-compliance with obligations.
"The debt of the company 8B Kapital based on rent is 169.072 euros, based on payments for employees that it was obliged to take over 644.241 euros, and based on real estate tax 184.334 euros. The success of the forced collection, in the enforcement procedure, of this, as well as any other claim, cannot be predicted in advance," EPCG announced.
That is why Elektroprivreda, the parent company of the Nikšić Ironworks, is negotiating with Šamiz's company about voluntary payment of the debt. This, they claim, would, with the participation of the Government, open the possibility of a new tender for the lease of the production capacities of the former Nikšić Ironworks complex.
Although the workers at the Steel Mill are not casting steel, which should be their primary job, they are expanding a large solar power plant on Kapino Polje.
The concrete blocks and structures they install are first made in the Steel Factory, and 283 workers are engaged in these jobs, 23 of whom are on a temporary contract. The factory, according to its director, is operating stably, and the workers, according to their representative, are satisfied.
"We regularly fulfill our obligations to our workers and the state, in terms of taxes and contributions, as well as to our parent company," Miloš Nikolić, director of EPCG Željezara Nikšić, tells TV Vijesti.
"The workers of the Steel Plant, in terms of wages and work, have never had it better," points out Ivan Vujović, president of the EPCG Steel Plant Nikšić Trade Union.
Whether the situation in the former economic giant remains at a satisfactory level in the future will depend on the Electric Power Company.
"We expect that the next projects related to the B2 power plant will be established as soon as possible and that we will continue to place structures and concrete blocks in this area," says Vujović.
Both the management of the Steel Plant and the employees are ready to produce steel, if the state and EPCG find a credible investor.
"Whether the parent company or the state will find another investor is a question for them," says Nikolić.
"Everything that the parent company delivers to us, we will fulfill and if retraining is needed, we will do everything. Whether there will be a Steel Plant and a Forge, as far as we are concerned, we are ready for that too," emphasizes Vujović.
And Elektroprivreda, it seems, is in no hurry with a new tender for the lease, while they are waiting to be paid by the Šamiza company. In their responses to TV Vijesti, they state that the Steelworks' facilities have been valorized and serve the overall development of renewable energy sources.
Bonus video:
