Opposition MP Praveen Bala has criticised the government for failing to deliver on its long-standing promise of a new sugar mill in Rakiraki, saying the delay has left farmers and the local economy struggling.
Speaking in Parliament during debate on the Government Guarantee for the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Mr Bala said the absence of a mill in Rakiraki continues to hurt farmers who are forced to transport their cane long distances, only to face crippling delays at the Lautoka Mill.
“The promise of a new mill for Rakiraki, where is it? Its continued absence is a betrayal,” he said.
He described scenes of lorry operators waiting two to three days at Lautoka to offload cane, many of whom come from Rakiraki, Ba and Tavua.
“Drivers come all the way from Rakiraki and Ba, and they have to stay overnight. Our cane lorry operators are facing crippling waits. This is a fact,” he told Parliament.
Mr Bala said Rakiraki, like other towns in Viti Levu’s western corridor, is agro-based and heavily dependent on FSC for livelihoods.
“Let us not forget, Rakiraki, Tavua and Ba are all dependent on FSC. For Tavua we may say because of Fiji Water, but the rest are still fully tied to the sugar industry.”
While confirming the Opposition’s conditional support for the government guarantee, Mr Bala said the backing was only for the sake of the struggling farmers and mill workers in towns like Rakiraki.
“We support this guarantee, Madam Deputy Speaker, only in the interest of farmers who are facing financial issues and must be paid for their canes,” he said.
He called on the government to stop delaying and start delivering on infrastructure commitments vital to rural communities.
“This is not just about machinery, it’s about livelihoods, dignity, and the survival of Rakiraki’s economy.”
