Fiji : Mill timeline uncertain
The proposed 10,000-tonne Rakiraki sugar mill remains at the pre-feasibility stage, with only an Expression of Interest issued and no tender released. Seven firms responded, and shortlisted companies are giving detailed proposals. Minister Charan Jeath Singh says construction will take time, with adequate cane supply projected for coming seasons.
THE proposed new sugar mill for Rakiraki has not reached the tender stage yet, with preliminary assessments still underway and no timeline given for construction.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal asked Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh for an update on the long-awaited project.
Mr Singh said public expectations needed to be managed, noting that the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has not issued a tender.
“I wish to clarify that the Fiji Sugar Corporation did not issue a call for tender. Instead, FSC issued an Expression of Interest,” he said.
He said an EOI was a “preliminary step used to gauge market interest, assess capabilities, and identify credible firms before moving to the tender stage”.
Seven companies submitted EOIs for the proposed 10,000-tonne-a-day mill, which closed on September 8, 2025.
“To ensure maximum international reach, the EOI was publicised at the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Congress in Colombia,” he said.
Shortlisted firms have been invited to provide detailed proposals, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation, which made its formal presentation on November 21.
A technical team from the company arrives in Fiji this week to conduct further assessments.
Mr Singh said the planned development will not be a “traditional standalone mill” but a modern industrial complex producing refined sugar, ethanol and other by-products.
He said the project remains in the pre-feasibility stage.
Opposition MPs pressed for clarity on delivery timelines.
“A new mill cannot be built overnight… It will only be fully realised when we win the next election,” the minister said.
Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma questioned cane supply levels.
In reply, Mr Singh said projected harvests of “1.5million tonnes this year” and “1.7million tonnes next year” will ensure sufficient cane.
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Source : The Fiji Times
