The Fiji Sugar Corporation has assured the Ministry of Sugar the Maqere to Malele cane rail line in Tavua is on track to reopen before the current crushing season ends.
This is stated in a Ministry statement released yesterday.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, confirmed the timeline after receiving updates from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Chief Executive Officer and the Permanent Secretary for Sugar.
The Ministry said major works are expected to be completed later this week, with a trial run of an empty locomotive planned for the end of next week to check safety standards.
The Maqere–Malele rail link, which was closed by FSC was ordered by the Ministry of Sugar to be repaired and used again.
It was a crucial transport route for Tavua cane growers, and its reopening is expected to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost the timely delivery of cane to the mills.