Results show that a decline in the sugar production will have a disastrous impact on Fiji’s economy, says SODELPA research officer Peter Waqavonovono.

While making submissions on the Reform of Sugarcane Industry Bill 2016 and Sugarcane Growers Fund Act 2016 before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs in Parliament yesterday, he said the sugar industry had been the mainstay of Fiji’s economy for the last 125 years.

“The reason why we feel that it should not be a one man’s job because we believe that issues to do with the Sugar Industry should be taken to the Sugar Industry tribunal and should not be decided upon by one person who is a part of the Government.

“The sugarcane industry in Fiji is undeniable at the crossroads; there are number of problems that beset the industry such as the impending expiry of preferential European Union sugar prices, the non-renewal of land leases and the milling and transportation inefficiencies,” he said.

Mr Waqavonovono said they believed the sugar industry would collapse if the existing problems were not addressed.

Citizens’ Constitutional Forum research officer Aman Nath said they acknowledged Government’s proposal to acquire 100 per cent shares in the Fiji Sugar Corporation as highlighted in section 84 of the Reform of Sugar Cane Industry Bill 2016

He said FSC incurred a loss of $293 million debt over the years which showed it was technically insolvent and mismanaged.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj