The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has raised serious concerns over repeated acts of vandalism and damage to road infrastructure and authority assets, warning that such actions are disrupting connectivity, straining resources and affecting communities across Fiji.
“Acts of vandalism and damage to infrastructure continue to undermine public services and essential connectivity,” the FRA said in a statement, adding that these incidents place unnecessary pressure on already limited resources.
The authority highlighted two recent incidents in Labasa that caused significant disruption.
In the first, the Waidamudamu Bridge along Nakorotari Road was damaged by fire, cutting off a vital access route for residents, school students and daily commuters.
“The bridge is a key link relied upon by the community for daily travel,” the FRA said.
“In response, access was restored by installing a new bridge deck at a cost of approximately $130,000.”
While police investigations into the incident are ongoing, the authority said it remained deeply concerned about actions that undermine public infrastructure and the essential services it supports.
In another incident at Batinikama, Labasa, in October 2025, two pieces of heavy machinery belonging to an FRA contractor were destroyed by fire, resulting in an estimated loss of about $1 million.
“Such acts not only impose financial losses on contractors but also delay the delivery of critical road works,” the FRA said.
“These disruptions ultimately affect the wider community through reduced access, compromised safety and prolonged inconvenience.”
The authority warned that without a dependable transport network, communities face isolation, higher costs and constrained development, particularly in rural and remote areas.
“Each incident increases costs, diverts resources and delays scheduled maintenance programmes,” the authority said.
“Funds that could be used to improve roads or enhance safety features are instead spent repairing damage caused by irresponsible actions.”
FRA called on communities to share responsibility for protecting public assets.
“Protecting infrastructure is not the responsibility of the Fiji Roads Authority alone,” it said.
“It requires civic pride and shared responsibility — respecting road signs, avoiding damage to public property and reporting suspicious behaviour.”
