The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are currently under scrutiny due to allegations of misconduct. Reports suggest that some drivers may be consuming kava during their working hours. This concern was recently highlighted by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa, who brought the issue to the attention of the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh.
Minister Singh expressed his disapproval, stating that the consumption of kava during work hours will not be tolerated by either his ministry or the FSC. Farmers have raised concerns that this behavior could be causing delays in train trips to Wainikoro for transporting sugarcane.
In addition, the ministry is currently investigating a serious accident that occurred in Lausa, Tavua, and Singh is awaiting a response from the FSC regarding this incident. To enhance oversight of locomotive operations, he has recommended the installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in the locomotives. This measure aims to monitor the real-time locations of both the drivers and the locomotives to ensure that they reach remote farms promptly for optimal sugarcane collection.