An act of vandalism on a Downer-owned grader has left Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris gobsmacked.
Harris says the attack on the grader, lent to contractor Fulton Hogan to assist in cleaning up the State Highway north of Ormond after yesterday’s flooding, was extremely disappointing.
“The grader was broken into at the Ormond Weigh Bridge,” says Harris. “It had been parked there since Friday ready to respond to any event issues.”
“Water got into the diesel tanks after they were punctured and drained of fuel,” says Harris.
“The battery box was broken into and batteries taken. A crow bar was used to try to gain entry to the cab. The vandals were unsuccessful but bent the bottom of the door.”
According to Harris the cost of the damage to the grader is estimated to be between $8000 and $10,000. She says it will be out of action for at least a week.
“This is disappointing in view of the rain forecast for later this week,” says Harris.
