The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Lautoka Mill has experienced a challenging week, according to CEO Bhan Singh. A breakdown occurred on Saturday due to a tube leak in the boiler’s furnace back wall, prompting an immediate response from the engineering and maintenance teams. Despite difficulties including low cane supply and mechanica fluctuations, operations are scheduled to resume by 6:00 p.m. today, June 16, 2025, after urgent repairs.
Singh acknowledged that the early days of the milling season typically present challenges, with technical issues often arising that require resolution. He expressed gratitude to growers, stakeholders, and partners for their patience as the FSC strives to enhance operations.
In light of the recent shutdown, the company has taken proactive measures to support affected stakeholders, including transporting lorry drivers home during downtime. This reflects FSC’s commitment to addressing operational challenges and ensuring support for the community.
Previously, similar situations involving operational challenges at the Lautoka and Ba mills have spurred calls for improvement, particularly when compared to the more efficient Labasa mill. Nonetheless, with repairs underway and operations set to resume, there is hope that the situation will stabilize, benefiting both farmers and the sugar supply chain overall.
The resilience of the FSC in navigating these challenges and the unwavering support from the community and government provide a promising outlook for the future of Fiji’s sugar industry. As the season progresses, efforts are being undertaken to improve efficiency and productivity, paving the way for a stronger performance in the coming months.
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