The Labasa Taxi Association has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force’s Northern Command Centre, which is linked to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town and also connects to those in Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Mahen Prasad, chairperson of the association, emphasized the need to utilize the CCTV cameras to help identify illegal taxis, often referred to as ‘Pirate taxis,’ that are operating in Labasa. These illegal taxis are essentially private vehicles that transport passengers and charge fares similar to registered taxis.
These concerns were highlighted following the alleged assault of 31-year-old Labasa taxi driver Aiyaz Din Mohammed by a driver of a private vehicle. Prasad expressed that taxi drivers face threats and potential physical abuse when they file complaints against such drivers.
He further asserted that the police have not been proactive in addressing illegal taxi operations, stating, “We have provided them with a list of vehicles operating as pirate taxis. Police are yet to react and take these perpetrators to task.”
Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, acknowledged the ongoing threats faced by taxi drivers in the region.