The Labasa Taxi Association is expressing concerns about the efficiency of the Fiji Police Force’s Northern Command Centre, which is connected to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town. This center also has access to CCTV footage from Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Mahen Prasad, the chairperson of the association, is urging for the CCTV cameras to be used to identify illegal taxis, commonly referred to as ‘pirate taxis’, that are operating within Labasa. These illegal taxis are unauthorized private vehicles that unlawfully transport passengers and charge fares similar to registered taxis.
The association’s concerns were heightened due to a recent incident involving the alleged assault of a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, who was reportedly attacked by a driver of a private vehicle. Prasad noted that when complaints are lodged or if a driver is known to have expressed concerns, there is a risk of threats and physical violence against them.
He further alleged that the police have not been effective in apprehending the owners of vehicles involved in these illegal taxi operations. “We have provided police with a list of vehicles operating as pirate taxis, yet there has been no action taken against these offenders,” he stated.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander of the North, acknowledged the ongoing threats faced by taxi drivers in the area.