Deputy Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Cash Grants for Farmers After Rarawai Mill Fire

Deputy Opposition Leader Hon. Parveen Bala has urged the Government to immediately provide direct cash grants to cane farmers affected by the Rarawai Mill fire, warning that the incident has triggered a “full-blown social and economic disaster” for the people of Ba.

Hon. Bala, who met with farmers and cane lorry owners, said the closure of the mill has left growers without any source of income. He highlighted that farmers are already under financial strain from low quota allocations, loan repayment deadlines, and penalties on burnt cane.

“For lorry owners, there has been no increase in the cane transfer allowance, even though drivers are forced to wait two to three days at the Lautoka Mill. This puts further pressure on those already struggling to survive,” he said.

He also called on the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to reinstate casual workers who were sent home following the fire, suggesting they be engaged in cleaning and rehabilitation work at the mill.

“The Government has a moral obligation to stand by our farmers, mill workers, cane cutters, and lorry owners in this crisis. They cannot be left alone to bear the burden of this disaster,” Hon. Bala stressed.