The opposition members are finding it hard to understand and accept the revival Government is doing for the sugar industry.

This was the comment made by Minister of Waterways, Dr Mahendra Reddy in parliament today.

Dr Reddy says large tracks of land have been left idle as a result of non-renewal of land leases since Niko Nawaikula and Marika Garikau were leading the Native Land Trust Board now known as i-Taukei Land Trust Board.

“Vast tracks of land is lying idle with overgrown bush. That’s the stamp of honorable Nawaikula in collaboration with Garikau. They killed the industry and they are now feeling the pain when we are trying to revive the industry.”

He says land previously used for sugarcane plantation is now idle with overgrown bush all because of bad decisions.

He says this is evident in Malolo, Sigatoka where one can see overgrown bush and empty houses left behind by sugarcane farmers whose land leases expired and were not renewed.

Reddy says the Fiji First Government will continue to revive the sugar industry.