Cane lorry operators will be exempted from paying taxes during the crushing season this year.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala in Lautoka yesterday.

This followed the signing of the MOU between the Land Transport Authority, the Sugar Cane Growers Council, the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Fiji Cane Lorry Association.

Mr Bala said the Government had been supporting the lorry operators for the past seven years and would continue to do so.

“This year the request came and Government has agreed in exempting the lorry drivers from paying taxes during the crushing season and we have also included those who will harvest less than 500 tonnes,” he said.

Mr Bala said this was of concerns raised by farmers during the talanoa sessions that were held throughout the cane belt this year.

He thanked all parties involved in the signing of the MOU.

The drawing up of the exemptions was initiated by the SCGC and its CEO Sundresh Chetty has thanked all parties involved.

“This will be a huge relief for the cane farmers and the cane lorry operators as small infringements like burnt out bulbs would see drivers be given the opportunity to fix it rather than be fined.”

Jitendra Singh, president of Fiji Cane Lorry Association said they indeed happy with the MOU and exemptions.

Exemptions are for wheel tax, road levy tax, some exemptions on weight and minor infringements like bulbs.

Mr Bala clarified that the Sugar Industry Tribunal was not part of the signing as they were there to hear farmers’ grievances.

Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Graham Clark signed on behalf of the Corporation while Carmine Piantedosi, LTA’s new CEO signed on its behalf.