The Sugar Industry Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has announced that repairs to the Rarawai Mill in Ba are on track to be completed within two months, as confirmed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Chief Executive. The mill, which suffered damage in a fire on September 17th, is fully insured, and immediate actions have been taken, including notifying the insurance company.
Following the incident, Singh, alongside FSC officials, inspected the mill and organized for the necessary parts damaged by the fire to be imported. Expert assessors from Australia have been called in to evaluate the extent of the damage thoroughly. In the interim, farmers in the Rarawai Mill vicinity are channeling their sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill. Although this adds workload to Lautoka Mill, Singh assured that the cane would be processed, even if it requires extending the crushing season.
The government has stepped up by subsidizing transportation costs for lorry drivers, aiding in the management of the logistical challenges posed by the fire. To efficiently regulate supply chains, a two-quota system per day for each farmer’s cane has been implemented, assisting farmers from Rakiraki to Tavua and Ba.
Historically, the Rarawai Mill has encountered operational difficulties, leading to an emphasis on enhanced safety measures and maintenance. The government’s prompt response to the recent incident includes strategies such as transport assistance schemes to ease the financial burdens on farmers.
These initiatives highlight a greater strategy aimed at ensuring resilience and stability within Fiji’s sugar industry. Through collaborative efforts between the government, the FSC, and other stakeholders, the measures are designed to mitigate immediate challenges while reinforcing the groundwork for the industry’s long-term sustainability and growth. This approach reflects the optimism and steadfast dedication essential to sustaining the economic significance of Fiji’s sugar industry.