The Rarawai Sugar Mill is slated to resume its crushing operations in early December 2025, according to Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh. In a recent written statement, Singh noted that rehabilitation efforts at the Ba-based facility are making consistent progress under the supervision of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
The minister indicated that the corporation aims to complete the rehabilitation works by the end of November, allowing for operational trials to begin before the scheduled crushing start date in the first week of December. This follows a significant fire that caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure at the mill.
As of October 2025, rehabilitation progress includes 50% completion of mechanical and civil works, 36% for electrical installations, and 33% for instrumentation and control systems. However, full restoration, which involves extensive projects such as roofing and building repairs, is not expected to be completed until May 2026. The delay is attributed to the lead times for the manufacturing and shipment of necessary components and equipment, but Singh emphasized that these remaining works will not impede the planned resumption of crushing operations.
Currently, the total damages caused by the fire are unclear, with ongoing assessments and insurance evaluations still in progress. Singh highlighted the complexity of the assessment process, noting that various levels of evaluation are necessary to determine the exact financial impact.
Despite the procurement delays and damage assessments, Singh expressed optimism regarding the FSC’s efforts and commended the collaborative response to restore this essential sugar mill. He emphasized that the rehabilitation of the Rarawai Mill is crucial for preserving the national milling capacity, which plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of many farmers reliant on the sugar industry.
This initiative reflects a wider commitment across the Fijian government and industry stakeholders to ensure the stability and sustainability of the nation’s sugar sector. Historical challenges faced by the industry, such as operational disruptions due to mechanical failures and safety issues, underscore the importance of strengthened safety protocols and rigorous maintenance strategies moving forward.
Overall, the collaborative approach taken by the FSC and the government, strengthened by the commitment to improving infrastructure, paves the way for a resilient and prosperous future for Fiji’s sugar industry, ensuring the economic wellbeing of communities dependent on this vital sector.