By JYOTI PRATIBHA
At least 12 cases of cane fire have been reported in the Western Division in the past five days.
This has resulted in damage costing over $55,000 and has led to serious concerns being raised.
Fiji Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said out of the 12 cases, six had been reported in Ba and another six in Nadi.
“As investigations continue, the high number of cane fires continues to be of concern considering the loss generated to Fiji’s economy,” she said.
As of last Friday, there was a total of 342 setting fire to crop cases reported since the beginning of the crushing season resulting in the loss of millions of dollars to the sugar industry.
Ms Naisoro said a directive has been given to officers to catch those involved and hold them accountable.
Increase patrol
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said there would be increased patrolling of cane farms in the Western Division.
He said pocket meetings would be held with cane farmers in the West to discuss the issue of cane burning.
Commander Cawaki said these farmers had lost their source of income and perpetrators would be taken to task.
He is further urging people to be vigilant and report any such cases to police immediately.