With the announcement to shut down the Penang Mill in Rakiraki for this season, the Fiji Sugar Corporation has started redeploying these workers.

FSC executive chairman, Abdul Khan, said some workers have already been deployed to assist with post Tropical Cyclone Winston clean-up work which includes repairs and maintenance.

He said others are being redeployed to other mills as we near the cane processing season.

“Our aim is to make sure that we redeploy as many Penang Mill workers as possible and later employ them. And that’s what we are working through,” he said.

Seven tradesmen from the Penang Mill have been shifted to work at the Labasa Mill.

Mr Khan, said the workers are at Labasa mill to assist with maintenance of the mill.

“They will remain at Labasa mill until the work required is completed,” Mr Khan said.

Penang Mill options

The Penang Mill sustained severe structural damage from Cyclone Winston and FSC and Government had established the mill would not be ready to operate reliably for this season.

As a result, the sugarcane which used to be transported to the Penang Mill before will now have to be transported to the Rarawai Mill in Ba.

Mr Khan indicated they still have options open for the Penang Mill but this will be decided later on taking into account Government views and farmers views.

He also confirmed assessments of damage post two tropical cyclones have been completed.

He said due to the limited amount of sugar we will have this year, the buyers will be the European Union (EU) and Korea.

“I am requesting all the sugarcane farmers, not only in Labasa but all over Fiji, to prepare well and work together to make the 2016 season a successful one for all,” he said.

Labasa Mill

The Labasa mill will be ready to begin with the cane processing season early next month.

“We are still reviewing data on how many tonnes of cane will be processed and tonnes of sugar Labasa FSC mill is expected to produce this year,” he said.

“As for the number of shipment expected to be carried out from Labasa mill.

“I can’t establish this now because this will depend on the amount of sugar that will be made by the mill.”