As many as 100 lorry drivers spent more than 48 hours holed up in their trucks outside the Lautoka sugar mill after the factory experienced a breakdown.
Drivers claimed the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) did not provide them with meals during this time.
The drivers, some of whom had travelled from as far as Rakiraki and Sigatoka, had parked outside the mill since Tuesday afternoon.
Some said this was the second time they had been left waiting and without meals while the mill was being fixed.
Emosi Seru from Ba said drivers could not go anywhere while waiting in line.
“I deliver cane for six or seven farmers and right now, all of them are waiting for me to get back,” he said.
“Work has stopped at the farm and they will only start work again when drivers get back.”
On Wednesday, FSC chief executive officer Bhan Pratap Singh told this newspaper the closure was caused by mechanical issues.
“Lautoka mill stopped crushing early morning (Wednesday) today because of some mechanical issues, crushing is expected to resume by 9am tomorrow (yesterday),” he said.
