Employees at Fiji’s Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba have been reassured that their jobs are secure following a fire incident that temporarily halted operations. The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) plans to redeploy some workers to the Lautoka Mill, which will now handle the additional crushing load as cane deliveries are redirected there. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized that both the FSC and the relevant ministry are devoted to maintaining staff welfare during this period of transition.
The FSC has introduced a concessional compensation of $15 per tonne to assist farmers with the additional transportation costs incurred due to the redirection of cane to Lautoka. Professor Prasad assured stakeholders that all necessary measures are being implemented to handle the situation without causing undue concern.
Investigations by the National Fire Authority are underway to determine the cause of the fire, with Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh stating that the inquiry will explore whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate. Meanwhile, both Professor Prasad and Singh are scheduled to visit Ba to meet with farmers and review the damage at the mill.
This is not the first disruption faced by the Rarawai Mill, which has previously experienced operational challenges, particularly with the boiler system. These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced maintenance procedures and robust safety protocols in Fiji’s sugar industry. Collaborative efforts among the FSC, government entities, and stakeholders aim to improve resilience and productivity while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.
The current proactive response from the FSC reflects a commitment to stabilizing operations within Fiji’s sugar industry, which is integral to the nation’s economy and the livelihoods of local communities. Through strategic enhancements in infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration, there is optimism for a more secure future in the sugar sector. These efforts not only aim to recover from current setbacks but also to foster sustainable and prosperous growth within the industry.
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