The Ministry of Sugar today revised downward the cost of damages to crops and mills from the recent flood. The cost now stands at $8.5 million, as opposed to $18 million, which was earlier predicted.
Director for Sugar Viliame Gucake said: “The initial figure was presented to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Saturday, but it was reviewed at a later assessment.
“At present, we are just waiting for proper water supply to the Rarawai mill so we can clean the silt from the flood and debris," Mr. Gucake said. "The cost of the cleaning the Rarawai mill is estimated to be $2 million."
Other mills around the country were unscathed. He said that apart from that, crop rehabilitation would cost $2.5 million, $3 million for tram line improvements and repair, and $1 million for cane access roads.
-ENDS-