MINISTER Charan Jeath Singh has confirmed that trains will no longer operate in some cane-growing areas, with trucks now taking over the transport of sugarcane.
Mr Singh said the railway system in Fiji had not been fully shut down. However, he said in areas where very little cane was being harvested, the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) had requested trains be taken out of service.
Mr Singh said in certain areas of Wainikoro, Vanua Levu, train services would no longer be provided.
“For those areas who rely on the use of cage bins, special containers, used on tramlines has increased in the area.
“An additional 25 to 30 cage bins have come in this season, on top of what was already available.”
He said cage bins were safer and more efficient because they prevented cane from falling off during transportation.
“Last year, we budgeted for and delivered 50 cage bins to all the mills.”
He also said 35 more cage bins would be sent to the Labasa mill this season, which should be enough to help farmers move their cane efficiently.
