Locomotive drivers on FSC radar

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) locomotive drivers are on radar for allegations of abuse of office.

It is alleged that some drivers consume kava during working hours.

This was brought to the attention of the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, by some farmers at Wainikoro Sector in Labasa recently.

Mr Singh said he would not tolerate FSC workers’ consuming kava during working hours.

“My ministry and FSC will not tolerate such misuse acts and behaviours,” he said.

Some farmers claimed there is a possibility that some drivers had delayed their train trips to Wainikoro for sugarcane carting because of kava consumption.

The ministry is investigating the fatal accident that occurred at Lausa, Tavua on Wednesday.

Mr Singh awaits a response from the FSC on the accident.

For increased surveillance of locomotive drivers, Mr Singh said he had asked FSC to install Global Positioning System (GPS) in locomotives.

“This is to monitor the locations of individuals and locomotives’ locations at any one time,” he said.

“We want our locomotives to reach interior farms on time to ensure maximum sugarcane can be carted for production to the mill,” he added.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj