Ministers demand harsh penalties for alleged arsonists who destroyed $2m worth of machinery
Road contractors and sugarcane farmers suffer major losses; ministers demand harsh penalties for culprits.
Sunday 05 October 2025 | 22:00
Burnt machinery at Batinikama, Labasa, following the suspected arson attack on October 2, 2025.
Photo: Shratika Naidu
Thousands in Fiji’s Western and Northern divisions have been affected after three expensive machines were destroyed in two suspected arson attacks last week.
Road contractors and sugarcane farmers have suffered damages totalling more than $2 million.
On October 1, a road roller and grader belonging to Fairdeal Earthmoving Contractors Limited, a sub-contractor of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), were burnt in Labasa. The machines, valued at $1 million, had been parked on private property beside a public road near Batinikama College and Batinikama Primary School. The fire halted essential road works for schools.
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Damaged portion of the hilly terrain sugarcane harvester, destroyed in a suspected arson attack on October 4, 2025.
Photo: Supplied
On October 4, a brand-new hilly terrain mechanical harvester was set on fire at Malele, Tavua. The $1 million harvester, imported from Japan for Fiji Sugar Corporation, had been in operation for less than a month.
A security officer discovered the fire early in the morning after smelling benzine and noticing flames on the machine’s sides. The fire damaged key components including the air cleaner hose and hydraulic hoses.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh condemned the attack, saying such incidents sabotage efforts to revive the sugar industry.
“The Coalition Government is doing a lot to help farmers, but acts like this affect our progress,” he said.
Minister for Public Works Filipe Tuisawau urged the public to protect road contractors and their equipment.
“Road companies invest millions in expensive machinery to provide essential services for schools, hospitals, and transport,” he said.
“It is totally selfish, and you are a terrorist if you engage in acts which damage and destroy.”
Both ministers called for heavy prison sentences for the perpetrators. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu confirmed reports have been received at Labasa and Tavua Police Stations. Investigations are ongoing.
