Fiji Sugar Mill Fire Closes Plant, Seasonal Jobs at Risk

The Permanent Secretary for Sugar in Fiji, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, has announced the standing down of 128 seasonal workers at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Rarawai Mill in Ba, following a fire on September 17 that resulted in the mill’s closure. Although these workers are typically employed only during the sugar crushing season, they were retained for several weeks post-fire and will be called back when operations resume. Dr. Kumar stated that the workers have been compensated for their leave dues.

Since the unfortunate incident, which significantly damaged crucial machinery, the Rarawai Mill has halted operations. The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is optimistic about restarting crushing by early December, pending the completion of necessary repairs.

The decision to lay off seasonal workers has raised concerns regarding job security in the sugar sector. Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the government and the FSC, calling it a “betrayal of trust.” He expressed that the government and FSC are obligated to retain all workers or compensate them until they can return to work when the mill reopens, highlighting that the fire was largely due to negligence from FSC.

The Rarawai Mill, which has faced numerous operational challenges in the past, including mechanical failures and previous shutdowns, underscores a prevalent need for enhanced maintenance and safety protocols within Fiji’s sugar industry. The FSC has historically dealt with such disruptions, and current challenges emphasize the requirement for strategic improvements and rigorous safety measures across the sector.

In a proactive response, the FSC and local officials are working diligently to navigate this situation. Emergency responses have been swift, and the ongoing collaboration among various stakeholders aims at stabilizing operations to protect the livelihoods of those reliant on sugar production. Moving forward, there is cautious optimism that the sugar industry can recover from these setbacks, ultimately leading to a more resilient economic future for Fiji’s communities dependent on this vital sector.