The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are under scrutiny due to allegations of misconduct in the workplace. Reports have surfaced claiming that some drivers are consuming kava during their shifts. This issue was raised by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa to the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh.
Minister Singh expressed his strong disapproval of FSC employees consuming kava while on duty, stating, “My ministry and FSC will not tolerate such misuse acts and behaviours.” Farmers have suggested that some drivers may have postponed their train trips to Wainikoro for sugarcane transport due to kava consumption.
Furthermore, the ministry is currently investigating a fatal accident that took place at Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday, and Mr. Singh is awaiting feedback from the FSC regarding this incident. To improve oversight of the locomotive drivers, Singh has requested that the FSC implement Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in the locomotives. He emphasized the need for timely delivery of locomotives to interior farms to optimize sugarcane collection for milling production.