Opposition demands urgent action after Rarawai Sugar Mill blaze

The fire at Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba last week has left sugar farmers facing severe losses, threatening livelihoods and sparking calls for urgent government action.
Opposition Member of Parliament Viam Pillay has demanded a full refund of all burnt cane penalties and emergency financial support for farmers, cane cutters, and lorry owners impacted by the blaze.
“The fire at Rarawai Sugar Mill has triggered more than a shutdown. It has triggered a crisis,” Mr Pillay said.
He explained that farmers were now facing reduced quotas and fewer crushing days, while still covering labour, fuel, and machinery costs.
“Every hour of delay costs farmers income. Every day of silence deepens their suffering,” he said.
He added that farmers who invested in trucks and harvesters were struggling with mounting loan repayments, while cane cutters sit idle and lorry drivers wait unpaid.
“Farmers who invested in trucks and harvesters face mounting loan repayments with interest rising as deadlines are missed,” Mr Pillay said.
The Opposition is also urging the Government to reinforce the Lautoka Sugar Mill to crush cane from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and establish a national task force to ensure all cane is processed before the rainy season drives up costs and damages crops.
“This was not just a fire, it may have been an attack on the backbone of our sugar industry,” Mr Pillay warned.
He said that if sabotage is suspected, security must be strengthened at all mills to prevent further disasters.
The Opposition insists that swift government action is crucial to protect farmers’ incomes, prevent further financial losses, and safeguard the future of Fiji’s sugar industry.