National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) director Vasiti Soko is urging members of the public to refrain from tampering flood warning systems.

She made the plea after three new solar-powered systems installed between Lautoka and Ba were tampered with.

Ms Soko said the systems were all connected to a remote activation channel that would enable DISMAC to remotely activate warnings and sirens to alert communities to move.

“I have received reports that three of our newly installed flood early warning systems were tampered,” she said.

Ms Soko said the system cost $1 million. A report has been lodged with Police.

“Refrain from breaking into government property. We hope that members of the public will respect what we have installed at the community level,” she said.

“They’re powered by solar to enable us to access that early warning system remotely and activate the siren. They are also connected to the rain gauge as water rises. If any of these three are tampered, the other two will also be affected.

“They have broken the locks, but they have not been able to remove the solar panels.”

Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed a report has been received and an investigation was underway.

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