CANE lorry drivers are being forced to wait at the Western Division’s two sugar mills and unlike the past where there were mill issues, this time around it’s because of poor supply.

Fiji Cane Lorry Association general secretary Mukesh Chand said the issue frustrated drivers.

“The mills are doing well, this time it’s the farmers who are not able to meet supply and even then its not the farmers fault, everything is the way it is because of a huge labour shortage issue,” he said.

“We are very happy. With the co-ordination between our association and Fiji Sugar Corporation, things are working really well in terms of dumping cane.

“The real issue we have to address is the labour shortage because it is really affecting everyone — from the farmer to the lorry operator to the miller.”