A Rakiraki businessman said he will invest $4.3 million in the sugar industry to boost harvest for Ra farmers.

The former parliamentarian, George Shiu Raj, an accountant and sugarcane farmer, purchased seven trucks which would cart cane, and a sugarcane harvester.

But even the investment was not enough to help farmers of Ra, he said.

He now plans to purchase 15 more trucks and another cane harvester.

Mr Shiu Raj said he would dedicate the new cane harvester solely to cane farmers of Nanuku in Ra.

“Though this still won’t be enough, it’s a start,” he said.

“Since it was the sugarcane and agriculture industry that has kept our economy floating, we should not waste the opportunity.

“Let us hope we do better than we did this year and next year.”

He also confirmed his plans to start development projects in Waimicia, Nalawa in Ra, by January 18.

The plan is to develop Waimicia and also build a service station to help villagers in the area of Nalawa.

Mr Shiu Raj said people of Nalawa had to travel as far as Korovou in Tailevu, or Rakiraki Town, to get fuel, unless they bought in bulk.

The investment in the Waimicia and Nalawa area is more than $2 million,” he said.

Feedback: susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj