A scrap metal company’s shipment was seized by the authorities in Lautoka on Wednesday.
Authorities off loaded copper, which they allege was stolen from public infrastructure.
A team from the Commissioner Western’s office comprising military officers, staff from Telecom Fiji and FEA inspected Waste Recyclers Ltd.
The crackdown on the theft of metal from public infrastructure has been led by Commissioner Western, Joeli Cawaki.
“While government is trying to build the infrastructure on one side, people are taking it down and selling it for scrap metal. It’s a question of supply and demand.”
According to Cawaki, all scrap metal exports will now be given the same treatment – reveal your stock before a green light is given for shipment.
“Scrap metal dealers are exporters. Every container that is exported, during the loading, we will inspect – if we don’t inspect, Customs won’t allow that container to go for export.”
Cawaki confirms they have caught dealers and these cases will be taken to Police.
Peter Bray, the MD for Waste Recyclers refused our request for an interview on Wednesday – saying he would make a comment on another day.
