THE Fiji Sugar Corporation has confirmed works to repair a boiler leak at the Lautoka Sugar Mill will be completed by midnight tonight.
In a statement, FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh said the disruption caused on June 19 was caused by the boiler leak which has been undergoing maintenance since last week.
“On Thursday, 19 June 2025, a routine inspection detected a leak in one of the mill boiler tubes. To conduct a full hydrostatic pressure test and carry out necessary repairs, a controlled shutdown was scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. on June 21, 2025,” said Mr Singh.
“All harvesting gangs were notified in advance, and the yard was cleared to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
“During the 36-hour maintenance window, the engineering team uncovered additional tube failures under pressure testing. To ensure the continued integrity and operational safety of the boiler system and to prevent more extensive unplanned failures, the shutdown period was extended to complete comprehensive tube replacements and subsequent retesting.”
He said since the leak, the anticipated prolonged repair timeline was communicated to stakeholders including the cane lorry associations.
“Regular status reports and revised delivery schedules were issued, enabling transport operators and growers to adjust their logistics plans with full awareness of repair progress.”
Mr Singh added despite the setback, Lautoka Mill achieved its first sugar make on June 19.
“There has been no sugar loss, as claimed by the National Farmers Union.
“As with all milling operations, the initial ten days of the season are reserved for identifying latent mechanical and technical issues that may remain dormant during the offseason. Early detection and resolution of such faults, although temporarily disruptive, are essential to ensuring uninterrupted throughput and minimising cane deterioration for the remainder of the campaign.
“Repairs are on track for completion by midnight on June 23, 2025, with full milling capacity expected to resume immediately thereafter.
“FSC regrets the inconvenience caused by this necessary maintenance outage and reaffirms its commitment to processing every tonne of cane with utmost diligence. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our growers, transport partners, and employees as we undertake these essential repairs.”
