Contractor raises concern after three trucks damaged in Labasa

A Labasa-based contractor has raised concerns after three of his trucks were damaged at the Vakamasisuasua Industrial Area on Sunday.

Mohammad Janif, of Valebasaoga, Labasa, said the incident left him shocked, noting it was the first time such damage had occurred during his more than eight years working as a contractor for the Labasa Town Council.

The 68-year-old said he only became aware of the incident early Monday morning when his supervisor arrived at work and discovered the damage.

“When my supervisor came in the morning, he noticed that the doors of the trucks were open and the screens were damaged,” Mr Janif said.

He estimated the damage to the three trucks, including internal parts, at around $15,000.

Mr Janif believes the incident was an act of deliberate vandalism rather than an attempted theft.

“If someone wanted to steal the trucks, they would have broken one window and driven them away,” he said.

“Instead, the screens were damaged and broken glass was scattered on the road and inside the vehicles.”

He said the matter was immediately reported to police.

Labasa Town Council special administrator Paul Jaduram confirmed he was aware of the incident and said the trucks’ windows had been damaged.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report had been lodged and investigations were ongoing.

The incident has raised concerns among contractors operating in the industrial area, with calls for increased security to prevent similar incidents in the future.