The Rarawai Sugar Mill is set to restart its crushing operations in early December 2025, as announced by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry. In a recent statement, he highlighted that rehabilitation efforts are progressing well at the Ba-based facility, under the guidance of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
Singh revealed that the FSC aims to finalize rehabilitation work by the end of November, enabling operational trials to begin ahead of the scheduled crushing start in the first week of December. These recovery efforts come following a major fire that inflicted significant damage on critical infrastructure at the mill.
As of October 2025, various rehabilitation projects have achieved notable milestones, with mechanical and civil works at 50% completion, electrical installations at 36%, and instrumentation and control systems at 33%. However, total restoration, which includes essential work on roofing and building repairs, is projected to be completed only by May 2026. The delay is primarily due to the time required to manufacture and ship necessary components and equipment. Nonetheless, Singh assured that the remaining tasks will not hinder the anticipated resumption of crushing operations.
Currently, the full extent of the damages from the fire remains uncertain, with assessments and insurance evaluations continuing. Singh noted the complexity involved in these assessments, as multi-layered evaluations are essential to establish the financial impact accurately.
Despite these challenges, Singh conveyed optimism regarding the FSC’s efforts and praised the collaborative response that is helping to restore this critical sugar mill. He stressed the importance of the Rarawai Mill’s rehabilitation for maintaining the national milling capacity, as it serves as a lifeline for numerous farmers who depend on the sugar industry for their livelihoods.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment from both the Fijian government and industry stakeholders to ensure the stability and sustainability of the nation’s sugar sector. The industry has previously grappled with challenges such as operational disruptions from mechanical failures and safety issues, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and maintenance strategies.
Overall, the partnership between the FSC and the government, along with a focus on infrastructure development, signals a resilient and promising future for Fiji’s sugar industry, fostering economic stability for communities dependent on this vital sector.