The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is taking significant steps to bolster fire prevention and enhance disaster resilience at its three sugar mills following a fire incident at the Rarawai Mill earlier this year. Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh characterized this event as a pivotal moment for the industry, prompting an extensive review of the current safety systems in place.
In a recent address to Parliament, Mr. Singh highlighted the urgent need to modernize the mills, some of which are reliant on infrastructure that dates back over 140 years. He expressed concerns about outdated technologies that pose safety risks, leading to the introduction of a series of new safety measures. These include a detailed risk management framework, regular hazard assessments, and improved fire safety protocols. Notably, the FSC has implemented stricter hot-work permit controls and annual inspections, which will be conducted in partnership with the National Fire Authority.
These enhancements reflect the FSC’s commitment to cultivating a safer operational environment. The Minister revealed plans for site-specific contingency plans at each mill, designed to improve emergency response readiness. Additionally, regular fire drills and training sessions for staff will be instituted to equip them for potential emergencies.
While some members of the opposition have raised concerns about the Ministry’s effectiveness in managing safety protocols during the Rarawai incident, Mr. Singh reassured that maintenance teams are rigorously addressing both infrastructure and machinery issues at the mills. He emphasized that the upgraded facilities will be “stronger, safer, smarter, and more resilient.”
The reassessment of operational processes is crucial not just because of the recent fire, but also due to persistent mechanical issues that have plagued the Rarawai Mill. Such operational setbacks have underscored the pressing need for detailed safety protocols and investment in updating the existing infrastructure.
Despite some reservations, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about the FSC and the government’s determination to strengthen the sugar industry’s resilience and sustainability. Recognizing the sector’s essential role in the economy and the livelihoods of many local communities, these actions aim to foster a safer and more productive future for Fiji’s sugar industry. Through these concerted efforts, confidence in this critical sector can be restored, ensuring continued support for families and communities across the nation.