It was nothing sinister, just sorting of relief items - Seruiratu
Minister for National Disaster Management Inia SeruiratuMinister for National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu has today confirmed that they have verified information from video footage posted on social media and carried out an investigation on whether some personnel are tampering with Cyclone Winston relief items sent from abroad.
Seruiratu says the video posted on Facebook was taken at the old Government Supplies site in Lautoka where the sorting out of relief items is taking place.
The video posted on Facebook shows a private truck loaded with boxes and a SUV parked next to the truck.
Some officials are seen opening the boxes, and then taking out clothes.
A person in civilian clothes is also seen trying out some clothes from the boxes while another person is seen taking some items to the front.
Seruiratu says he contacted the divisional commissioners and the Commissioner Western has confirmed the video was taken at the Lautoka site.
He says the Commissioner Western has carried out an investigation and confirmed that the sorting out process was done openly and some of the officials were wearing some of the clothes as a joke.
Seruiratu says he has been told by the Commissioner Western that none of the items were stolen by the officers.
When questioned by Fijivillage, Seruiratu confirms that they have a repackaging process if it is necessary.
This is being done at Walu Bay and other official delivery centres.
Seruiratu says repacking of items takes place when the cartons are damaged.
It is also done if they cannot ascertain what is in the sealed boxes.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro says no official complaint has been lodged and since it is a post on social media that would need to be verified.
Naisoro says those who know something that could assist police are requested to call the nearest police station.
FICAC also says that they are looking into the matter. Source: Fijivillage News
Minister for National Disaster Management Inia SeruiratuMinister for National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu has today confirmed that they have verified information from video footage posted on social media and carried out an investigation on whether some personnel are tampering with Cyclone Winston relief items sent from abroad.
Seruiratu says the video posted on Facebook was taken at the old Government Supplies site in Lautoka where the sorting out of relief items is taking place.
The video posted on Facebook shows a private truck loaded with boxes and a SUV parked next to the truck.
Some officials are seen opening the boxes, and then taking out clothes.
A person in civilian clothes is also seen trying out some clothes from the boxes while another person is seen taking some items to the front.
Seruiratu says he contacted the divisional commissioners and the Commissioner Western has confirmed the video was taken at the Lautoka site.
He says the Commissioner Western has carried out an investigation and confirmed that the sorting out process was done openly and some of the officials were wearing some of the clothes as a joke.
Seruiratu says he has been told by the Commissioner Western that none of the items were stolen by the officers.
When questioned by Fijivillage, Seruiratu confirms that they have a repackaging process if it is necessary.
This is being done at Walu Bay and other official delivery centres.
Seruiratu says repacking of items takes place when the cartons are damaged.
It is also done if they cannot ascertain what is in the sealed boxes.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro says no official complaint has been lodged and since it is a post on social media that would need to be verified.
Naisoro says those who know something that could assist police are requested to call the nearest police station.
FICAC also says that they are looking into the matter. Source: Fijivillage News
