The Sugar Industry Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has confirmed that the Rarawai Mill in Ba is expected to be repaired within two months, as assured by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Chief Executive and his team. During a parliamentary session, Singh emphasized that the mill is fully insured and that the insurance company has already been informed following the fire incident which occurred on September 17th.
Singh visited the site alongside FSC officials, who ensured that all necessary parts damaged by the fire would be imported promptly. Furthermore, experts from Australia are being brought in to assess the damage extensively. Meanwhile, farmers from the Rarawai Mill area are supplying their cane to the Lautoka Mill. Despite the added pressure this places on the Lautoka Mill, Singh assured farmers, lorry drivers, and stakeholders that all the cane would be crushed, even if it requires an extension of the season.
The government is supporting the logistics involved by covering the transportation costs for lorry drivers, ensuring efficient handling of the disruptions caused by the fire. A commitment has been made to prioritize each farmer’s cane on a two-quota basis per day to manage supplies efficiently from Rakiraki to Tavua and Ba.
Looking at similar events from the past, the Rarawai Mill has faced operational challenges, with recurring breakdowns prompting the mill’s need for enhanced safety protocols and maintenance improvements. Nonetheless, the government’s response has been proactive, introducing measures such as transport assistance schemes to alleviate financial pressures on farmers.
These developments illustrate a broader strategy of resilience and commitment to stability within Fiji’s sugar industry. Supported by collaborative efforts between the government, the FSC, and other stakeholders, the steps being taken aim to secure the industry’s future by mitigating immediate impacts while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and growth. These efforts exemplify the optimism and dedication required to uphold Fiji’s sugar industry’s significant economic contribution.