The Labasa Taxi Association is raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force’s Northern Command Centre, which is connected to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town. This command center is also linked to CCTV systems in Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Association chairperson Mahen Prasad has urged that the CCTV footage be utilized to track down unlawful taxis, commonly referred to as ‘Pirate taxis,’ which operate in Labasa. These illegal taxis are essentially private vehicles transporting passengers and charging fares as if they were registered taxis.
The association’s concerns come after the alleged assault of a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, by the driver of a private vehicle. Mr. Prasad expressed worries about the safety of taxi drivers, stating, “When we complain or they learn that a certain driver is complaining, there is a risk of being threatened and physically abused.” He criticized the police for not apprehending the owners of vehicles that are reportedly operating as illegal taxis.
“We have provided the police with a list of vehicles involved in pirate taxi operations. However, they have yet to take action against these offenders,” he said.
Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka acknowledged the constant threats taxi drivers face in their work.