The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are facing scrutiny due to allegations of misconduct related to kava consumption during work hours. This issue was highlighted by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa, who expressed concerns to Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh.
Minister Singh emphasized that he would not condone such behavior among FSC employees. He stated, “My ministry and FSC will not tolerate such misuse acts and behaviours.” There are claims from farmers that the alleged kava consumption may have led to delays in train trips for sugarcane carting.
Additionally, the ministry is currently investigating a fatal accident that occurred at Lausa, Tavua, and Mr. Singh is awaiting a report from the FSC regarding this incident. In response to the situation, he has requested that FSC implement Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in locomotives, to enhance monitoring of the drivers’ locations and ensure timely service to the interior farms. He stressed the importance of efficient operations, saying, “We want our locomotives to reach interior farms on time to ensure maximum sugarcane can be carted for production to the mill.”