The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are under scrutiny for potential misconduct. Allegations have surfaced that some drivers are consuming kava during their working hours. This issue was raised by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa to Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.
Mr. Singh emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable, stating, “My ministry and FSC will not tolerate such misuse acts and behaviours.” Farmers have suggested that the consumption of kava may have caused delays in the train trips to Wainikoro for sugarcane transportation.
Additionally, the ministry is currently investigating a tragic accident that occurred in Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday, and Mr. Singh is awaiting a report from the FSC regarding this incident. To enhance monitoring of locomotive drivers, he has requested the installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in the locomotives.
This measure aims to keep track of the locations of both the drivers and the trains at all times. “We want our locomotives to reach interior farms on time to ensure maximum sugarcane can be carted for production to the mill,” he added.