The towns of Labasa and Savusavu on Vanua Levu are facing significant challenges as mentally challenged individuals become a growing public concern. Many of these individuals are homeless or estranged from their families, leading to situations where they wander the streets, sleep in doorways, and engage in public urination.
Some have posed safety risks by directing traffic on busy roads or following tourists, instilling fear among visitors. Local business owners are increasingly worried about safety as the situation deteriorates. Paul Jaduram, special administrator chairperson of the Labasa Town Council and president of the Macuata Tourism Association, noted that this issue has persisted for years.
He shared that he had to contact the Labasa Police Station when tenants reported a mentally challenged person sleeping outside their store. Jaduram pointed out that even when police remove these individuals, they frequently return. He advocated for a thorough assessment of these people, suggesting that those diagnosed with mental illness and lacking family support be directed to Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital, while the mentally stable homeless could be placed in the Golden Age Home.
The problem appears to be escalating, causing unease among both business operators and customers.
In response, police officers in Labasa have attempted to assist by providing food, clothing, and temporary shelter. However, many individuals return to the streets, and noncompliance with prescribed medications complicates their care. Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, acknowledged the issue and urged families to take responsibility for their relatives.
SSP Baledrokadroka highlighted that some individuals receive social welfare benefits, implying that it is the family’s duty to care for them. He emphasized the necessity of formal complaints for the police to take action against any offenses committed by these individuals, stressing the humanity of all involved.
Savusavu is grappling with similar issues. Special administrator chairperson Shiu Shankar Singh expressed his annoyance at instances where mentally ill individuals disrupt traffic and intimidate tourists. He noted that some tourists feel unsafe due to being followed in the marketplace. As the festive season approaches, Singh called for relevant authorities to collaborate and find effective solutions, mentioning the difficulty business operators face in securing meaningful police intervention.
Inquiries were made to the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection for comments, but no response was received. With the holiday season imminent, both businesses and police are urging rapid action to tackle the growing crisis, emphasizing that without coordinated efforts, vulnerable individuals will continue to inhabit the streets.
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