Some newly-recruited police constables in Suva have been experiencing a troubling delay in their payments, with several officers reporting that they have not received their salaries for the last three weeks. Speaking on condition of anonymity, these constables expressed their financial stress due to the unpaid wages, particularly those who are supporting families or facing rental costs in the city.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged the payment delays and attributed the issue to technical problems within the payment processing system. He assured the constables that he had instructed the accounts and finance team to resolve the issue promptly and emphasized that all affected officers would receive their due payments without further delay.
This situation mirrors broader challenges the Fiji Police Force has been facing in recent times. Previous reports have highlighted the need for improved financial practices and transparency in salary disbursements, especially in light of retention issues affecting officers within the department. Assistant Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga has previously noted that financial compensation remains a critical factor in retaining skilled personnel as many officers are drawn to better-paying opportunities abroad.
While this situation may cause temporary distress for the affected officers, it presents an opportunity for the Fiji Police Force to refine its processes and enhance overall financial management. By addressing these technical issues, the department can bolster officer morale and ensure that personnel receive the timely compensation they deserve, ultimately strengthening public trust and community safety in Fiji.
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