SUGAR permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi has reiterated the government's commitment to the sugar industry.
Speaking at the recommissioning of the Navo Rail Bridge in Nadi on Tuesday, he said: "To this end we are appealing to all stakeholders to come on board and play their part.
"For the past three years the government has provided approximately $204million to the industry for this reason. Other infrastructure projects have had to be deferred to ensure the sugar industry gets back to its feet.
"In this regard, the government acknowledges the industry's contribution to the economy but more importantly the 200,000 people who derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from it."
The Navo Rail Bridge, the vital rail link responsible for ensuring the quickest and most cost-effective transportation of 106,000 tonnes of cane crop, according to industry stakeholders, was completed days before crushing starts at Lautoka mill.
The bridge was washed away during the flood that hit the Western Division in March, this year.
The work has been hailed as a testimony to the commitment by the FSC, the government and industry stakeholders to take the industry forward despite criticism and scepticism.
Lt-Col Vaniqi said the government, working closely with FSC, the iTaukei Land Trust Board and Lands Department through the Sugar Ministry, was ironing out tramline lease issues in an effort to maintain the rail system.