The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are under scrutiny due to allegations of misconduct related to kava consumption during working hours. This issue was highlighted by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa, who brought their concerns to Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs. Mr. Singh expressed his zero tolerance for such behavior, emphasizing that both his ministry and the FSC will not accept any misuse of resources or irresponsibility by workers.
Farmers are concerned that the consumption of kava by some drivers may have led to delays in train trips intended for sugarcane transportation. The ministry is currently investigating a serious accident that took place in Lausa, Tavua, and Mr. Singh is awaiting a detailed response from the FSC regarding this incident.
To enhance the monitoring of locomotive drivers, Mr. Singh has requested the installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in the locomotives. He stated that this initiative aims to track the movements of drivers and their trains, ensuring that locomotives reach interior farms promptly to facilitate optimal sugarcane collection for processing at the mill.