Qiliho: Labasa cane drivers to work during curfew hours

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho has given the green light to lorry and tractors drivers to deliver cane to Fiji Sugar Corporation Labasa mill during curfew hours.

He said these drivers who need to move around during curfew hours can move around just like other business operators who need to.

“They must provide the necessary identification at the checkpoints during the curfew hours which is from 10pm to 5am,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

“We will be liaising with the respective Divisional Police Commanders and Officers in Charge to visit FSC and Sugar Cane Growers Council to ensure that they are able to cart their cane to the mills.”

Meanwhile, Fiji Cane Lorry Association Labasa branch president Mohammed Janab and Labasa Cane Lorry Tractor Drivers Club president Yusuf Hussain said they were very happy to hear this good news.

“We were worried about how to approach Brigadier-General Qiliho and seek his permission on behalf of our drivers as the mill would open on June 10,” Mr Janab said.

“His timely permission has provided great relief and encouragement to our farmers.” Mr Hussain said in Labasa there were one hundred tractor drivers and 500 lorry drivers that deliver cane during the crushing season.

“Everyone knows that once the mill starts there is a need for a continuous supply of cane from farmers,” Mr Hussain said. “This is where the tractor and lorry drivers play an important role in delivering cane to the mill day and night.”