Cane Access Roads Committee to work with the European Union on which access roads need upgrading
Sheik dean
Nadi
The Sugar Cane Growers Council says upgrades on cane access roads and the railway system is underway to boost the 2014 crushing season.
Council acting chief executive, Sundresh Chetty, said these upgrades will see a constant supply of harvested sugarcane to the four mills.
“Upgrades are underway and growers should make good use of these upgrades and start preparing,’’ Mr Chetty said.
He said the upgrades are expected to be completed before the crushing season starts.
“Cane access roads and railway system provide a vital link between farmers and the sugar mills in the transportation of harvested cane for processing,” he said.
“We are also consulting the Land Transport Authority for road levy exemptions for cane lorry operators”
However, Mr Chetty said drivers must abide by the rules and conditions once the exemptions are granted.
Meanwhile, three pilot projects for cane access roads upgrades in Lautoka have been given the green light – a project which will be funded by the European Union.
Railway system
In an earlier interview, Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, had confirmed the railroad project will cost $20 million and will be developed through a proposed investment by FSC.
Mr Khan said FSC is also looking forward to utilise the railway system to try and ease congestion on the roads.
Our rail system is in use only during the harvesting season of six months and through this plan will be in constant use with train systems expected to commence by 2016.
FSC is expecting to process around two million tonnes of sugarcane for this season.
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