The towns of Labasa and Savusavu on Vanua Levu are facing significant challenges as mentally ill individuals increasingly become a source of public nuisance. Many of these individuals are homeless or have been abandoned by their families, leading them to wander the streets, sleep in doorways, and use public spaces for relief.
Some individuals have posed risks on busy roads by directing traffic or following tourists, which raises concerns about safety for both visitors and local business owners. Paul Jaduram, the special administrator chairperson of the Labasa Town Council and president of the Macuata Tourism Association, highlighted that this problem has existed for years. He recounted situations where he had to call the police when his tenants reported a mentally challenged person sleeping outside their shop. However, he noted that removed individuals often return to the same location, urging authorities to assess their situations more effectively.
Jaduram proposed that those diagnosed with mental illness and lacking family support should be referred to the Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital, while mentally stable homeless individuals could find shelter at the Golden Age Home. He emphasized the growing nature of the issue and the resulting fear for customers and business operators.
On the police front, officers in Labasa have attempted to assist by providing food, clothing, and temporary shelter. Nevertheless, many individuals return to the streets and often do not adhere to prescribed medication. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka acknowledged the situation and called upon families to take accountability for their relatives. He mentioned that some individuals are recipients of social welfare benefits, which their families receive but do not use to support them.
In Savusavu, the situation mirrors that of Labasa, with special administrator chairperson Shiu Shankar Singh highlighting disruptive behaviors from mentally ill individuals that impact traffic and tourist safety. He noted that many incidents occur without effective police intervention unless official complaints are made.
Efforts to communicate with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection for a response on the matter have been unsuccessful. As the festive season approaches, both local businesses and law enforcement stress the need for immediate, coordinated action to resolve the growing crisis and ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left stranded on the streets.
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