$1m machine fire, bridge vandalism spark FRA alarm

Authorities are under pressure to act after two heavy machines worth an estimated $1 million were destroyed in a fire in Batinikama, Labasa, with no update from Police or the National Fire Authority (NFA) months later.

Fairdeal Earthmoving Contractors Limited Labasa fleet manager Ashneel Lingam said there had been no response from authorities regarding the October 2025 incident.

“Till now the police have not given an update on who set the fire. A similar incident happened at Waidamudamu Bridge in Labasa,” Mr Lingam said.

The two machines belonged to a contractor engaged by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). While work has continued, Mr Lingam said the loss had slowed progress.

The FRA has raised serious concern over repeated acts of vandalism targeting road infrastructure and contractor assets, warning that such incidents disrupt connectivity, strain resources and impact communities nationwide.

In a separate incident, a fire damaged the Waidamudamu Bridge along Nakorotari Road in Labasa, cutting off a vital transport link used by residents, students and daily commuters. FRA restored access by installing a new bridge deck at a cost of about $130,000. Investigations into that case are ongoing.

FRA said the destruction of contractor equipment not only imposes heavy financial losses but also delays critical road works, reducing access, compromising safety and causing prolonged inconvenience for communities.

The authority is responsible for maintaining about 6,371 kilometres of roads, 1,406 bridges, more than 13,606 streetlights and 32 jetties nationwide. It said roads are essential for access to schools, workplaces, health facilities and markets, particularly in rural areas where they are often the only development link.

Repeated vandalism undermines maintenance efforts, increases costs and diverts resources from planned works. FRA also reported frequent damage to road signs, bridge railings, bus shelters and utility access chambers.

FRA has urged communities to protect public infrastructure and report suspicious activity.

The authority said it remains committed to delivering safe and accessible transport infrastructure across Fiji.