20 workers affected after factory fire

A fire has destroyed the Lautoka premises of Ganga (Fiji) Ltd, leaving about 20 staff without work in the coming weeks.

The building on Nasoki Street, owned by Popular Furniture Ltd, was leased by Ganga (Fiji) Ltd.

Established in 1998, the company manufactures, wholesales, and distributes Indian snack confectioneries, as well as whole and split spices, seasonings, and lentils in Fiji.

Director and general manager Harshad Joshi said their immediate priority was staff welfare.

“We have about 20 staff in Lautoka. We have not yet decided what needs to be done, but we are looking for another place to relocate and restart operations, possibly within two to three weeks.

“Meanwhile, we will make some payments for our staff, at least to help put food on the table.”

Mr Joshi said they were alerted around midnight on Wednesday and described the incident as devastating.

“Everything has been destroyed, and we have to start from zero again. I am confident we will resume as soon as possible because we have many staff members depending on us. That is our priority.”

Police and the National Fire Authority are investigating the cause of the fire.