The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, recently inspected the damage at the Rarawai Sugar Mill resulting from a recent fire. This visit, directed by Minister Charan Jeath Singh, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring the mill’s functionality and supporting the sugar industry in Fiji amidst this setback.
During his visit, Dr. Kumar engaged with an independent fire assessor from New Zealand to gain a thorough understanding of the incident. Efforts to prevent further disruptions were highlighted, with preventive maintenance measures already implemented in other mills.
Dr. Kumar noted the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) swift actions in restoring power through portable generators and removing damaged equipment. He emphasized the urgency of progressing with recovery efforts, with heavy machinery assisting in the ongoing removal of major underfloor cables.
Following the site inspection, a meeting was convened at the FSC Headquarters, where discussions with CEO Bhan Pratap Singh and senior management focused on resuming operations at the Rarawai Mill and ensuring continued operation of the Lautoka Mill to minimize disruptions to farmers.
The Ministry acknowledged the significant impact of the fire, with an estimated 80% of cane from the Lautoka area and 85% from the Rarawai and Penang areas affected. The Lautoka Mill underwent a planned stoppage for essential cleaning due to poor juice quality causing equipment scaling. Dr. Kumar urged for timely maintenance to prevent unforeseen downtimes.
The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to working with FSC and relevant stakeholders to support farmers and expedite the restoration of operations. This collaborative approach reflects optimism and determination to overcome challenges, sustaining the vital sugar industry that underpins Fiji’s economy and supports local livelihoods.
In light of the previous challenges faced by Rarawai Mill, including mechanical issues and recurrent shutdowns primarily related to its boiler system, there is a push for improved safety measures and maintenance protocols. The ongoing collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders are expected to bolster resilience and foster a thriving sugar sector in Fiji.