The recent inspection of the Rarawai Sugar Mill by Dr. Vinesh Kumar, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sugar Industry, marks a significant step towards addressing the damages caused by a recent fire. The visit, guided by Minister Charan Jeath Singh, highlights the Fijian government’s commitment to reviving the mill’s operations and reinforcing the sugar industry’s stability in the region.
Dr. Kumar’s engagement with an independent fire assessor from New Zealand underscores a comprehensive effort to understand the fire’s implications and devise strategies for mitigation. Preventive maintenance measures have already been set in motion across other sugar mills to avert similar disruptions in the future.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has acted promptly by utilizing portable generators to restore power and commencing the removal of damaged equipment. Dr. Kumar stressed the critical nature of the recovery process, which has seen the involvement of heavy machinery in clearing major underfloor cables.
In a strategic meeting following the site inspection, discussions were held with FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh and the senior management team, focusing on reigniting operations at the Rarawai Mill and the seamless functioning of the Lautoka Mill. This move aims to minimize disruptions for local farmers who rely heavily on these operations.
The fire has significantly impacted the sugar output, affecting approximately 80% of the cane from the Lautoka area and 85% from the Rarawai and Penang areas. Moreover, the Lautoka Mill had to undergo a planned stoppage for vital cleaning due to poor juice quality, which was causing equipment scaling. Dr. Kumar called for more stringent maintenance schedules to prevent unplanned downtimes in the future.
The Ministry remains devoted to collaborating with the FSC and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the restoration process. This commitment is mirrored in the shared optimism and determination to overcome the current challenges, ensuring the continued vitality of the sugar industry, which is a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy and a key source of livelihood for many.
With past challenges at the Rarawai Mill, including frequent shutdowns largely associated with its boiler system, there is now a push for enhanced safety measures and maintenance protocols. These collaborative efforts among industry participants are geared towards strengthening resilience and fostering a robust sugar sector in Fiji.