The Labasa Taxi Association is raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force’s Northern Command Centre, which is connected to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town. This centre also has access to CCTV footage from Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Association chairperson Mahen Prasad is urging the use of these CCTV cameras to identify illegal taxis, commonly referred to as “pirate taxis,” that are operating in Labasa. These illegal taxis are private vehicles that transport passengers without proper registration and charge fares like legitimate taxis.
The association’s concerns were highlighted following the alleged assault of a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, by a driver of a private vehicle. Prasad expressed that when complaints are made, drivers risk facing threats and physical abuse. He further stated that the police have not taken action against vehicle owners involved in illegal taxi operations despite being provided with a list of such vehicles.
Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, acknowledged the threats taxi drivers regularly encounter.