The Fiji Labour Party has issued a stark warning over the devastating impact of the Rarawai Sugar Mill fire, calling for urgent government intervention to protect cane farmers, workers, and the wider sugar industry from what it describes as a looming crisis.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the situation must not be taken lightly.
He stressed that urgent action is required from the government, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, and industry institutions to address the fears and concerns of cane farmers and mill workers.
He further emphasised the need for consultation with union representatives, farmers, and workers.
The Rarawai Mill in Ba was engulfed by a major fire early yesterday morning, reportedly starting in the powerhouse compressor before spreading to the generators and key electrical control panels.
According to the FLP, reliable sources indicate the mill will not be operational for the remainder of the season, raising serious concerns for cane farmers in Viti Levu’s six cane-growing districts, many of whom now face the grim reality of their crop being left unharvested.
Chaudhry says that with Rarawai out of action, over 440,000 tonnes approximately 60 percent of the remaining cane from the Western Division will now have to be diverted to the already overburdened Lautoka Mill, which has been plagued by mechanical issues since the crushing season began in July.
He says the situation has drawn comparisons to the fate of the Penang Mill, which was permanently closed following extensive damage caused by Cyclone Winston.
He warned that there is growing concern the FSC may take a similar approach with Rarawai, opting to dismantle rather than repair the facility.
He also highlighted that farmers are demanding clarity on whether they will be fairly compensated for losses arising from the mill’s closure, as many risk losing their only source of income this season.
The fire has further cast uncertainty over the future of approximately 400 Rarawai Mill workers.
Chaudhry questioned how the FSC and government intend to support these employees, many of whom are already experiencing financial hardship due to the country's challenging economic conditions.
He also criticised the response to the fire, citing mill sources who claim the Ba Fire Brigade was ill-equipped to contain the blaze and that in-house fire safety measures may have been inadequate.
The FLP is calling for immediate transparency and accountability from both the FSC and the government.
Meanwhile, the FSC has confirmed that, while the damage is significant, all employees are safe and no injuries have been reported.
The incident has triggered a full-scale investigation led by the National Fire Authority and Energy Fiji Limited, who are working to determine the cause of the blaze and assess the full extent of the damage.
FSC says all operations at the Rarawai Mill remain suspended until further notice.
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