Following a significant fire at the Rarawai Mill in Ba, approximately 400 cane trucks from Rakiraki and Ba are now directed to deliver their cane loads to the Lautoka Mill. This shift raises concerns about how the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the Sugar Ministry will manage the increased traffic and logistics at the Lautoka facility. Atish Kumar, president of the Fiji Cane Lorries Association, highlighted the need for clear communication from the FSC regarding their plans to accommodate the additional truckloads and avoid potential delays or operational setbacks.
The route change is a result of the fire that heavily damaged the Rarawai Mill, leading to its operations being suspended indefinitely. This disruption has led to concerns among farmers about the financial implications, as increased transportation to Lautoka entails more fuel expenses and prolonged waiting times at the mill, which in turn means additional costs for laborers who await the return of the trucks.
Bhan Pratap Singh, CEO of FSC, assured that stakeholders and the public would be continuously updated about developments. The swift response of emergency services and the collective efforts of various parties in managing this incident have been acknowledged positively by the corporation.
In light of the fire, the FSC has been reassured by government officials of their commitment to staff welfare, with plans to redeploy affected employees to the Lautoka Mill. Additionally, the FSC is offering a $15 per tonne concessional compensation to farmers to help cover the increased transportation costs. Meanwhile, investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the fire, with officials visiting the site to assess the damage and engage with local farmers affected by the disruption.
The recent incident at the Rarawai Mill isn’t an isolated challenge; previously, both the Lautoka and Rarawai mills have experienced mechanical issues, emphasizing the need for rigorous maintenance and operational protocols within the industry. Nevertheless, the response from the FSC and stakeholders shows a proactive approach to ensuring operational stability. Collaborative efforts and strategic improvements aim to bolster productivity and security in Fiji’s sugar sector, offering hope for a resilient and sustainable future.
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