The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are being scrutinized over allegations of misconduct. It has been reported that some drivers may be consuming kava during their working hours. This issue was raised by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa to the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh.
Mr. Singh has expressed his strong disapproval of the consumption of kava by FSC workers while on duty. He stated, “My ministry and FSC will not tolerate such misuse acts and behaviours.” Some farmers have suggested that this kava consumption could be causing delays in train trips for transporting sugarcane to Wainikoro.
Additionally, the ministry is currently looking into a serious accident that took place in Lausa, Tavua, 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 is to monitor the locations of individuals and locomotives at any given time,” he explained. Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of timely arrivals of locomotives at farms to optimize sugarcane transport for milling.