Chinese experts have recommended that only one sugar mill should operate in the West, citing a decline in sugar cane production in the region, reported The Fiji Times.
Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh informed farmers in Seaqaqa this week that the Chinese experts believe it would be more effective to operate one well-run mill rather than two.
Although no decision has been made regarding which mill will close, Mr. Singh mentioned that Ba is being considered as the preferred location for a mill in the area.
“We are still awaiting their final report, but they are suggesting the closure of one mill and the construction of a new one in Ba,” he said.
Mr. Singh noted that the experts had visited Labasa and Rakiraki and were in the process of preparing their final report.
“They have also extended an invitation for officials to visit China to observe their sugar mills.
“A team of six, including three from the FSC, myself, and a local consultant, are scheduled to visit China next week,” he added.
Mr. Singh explained that the proposed Ba mill would be a modern facility, complete with a refinery and an ethanol plant.
“It will be a state-of-the-art mill,” he said.
He also mentioned that the Penang Mill in Rakiraki had been closed more than ten years ago by the FijiFirst government, at a cost of $300,000.
