The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is currently facing allegations concerning the conduct of its locomotive drivers. Reports suggest that some of these drivers have been consuming kava during their working hours. This issue was raised by farmers from the Wainikoro Sector in Labasa to Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.
Minister Singh has made it clear that he will not tolerate such behavior among FSC employees. He emphasized that both his ministry and the FSC will act against any misuse or misconduct. Farmers in the area have expressed concerns that these drivers may be delaying their train trips for sugarcane carting due to kava consumption.
In addition, the ministry is currently investigating a fatal accident that took place in Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday. Minister Singh is awaiting a response 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 move aims to keep track of the locations of the drivers and their trains simultaneously.
Minister Singh stated the importance of ensuring that locomotives reach the interior farms promptly to maximize sugarcane transport for processing at the mill.