Suva City Council plans to install 80 new CCTV cameras across the city ahead of the 2025 Hibiscus Festival, but the move is drawing questions from the Suva Retailers Association, which says it was not consulted about the expansion even though its members have been installing their own CCTV systems in the area. The council’s Chief Executive Tevita Boseiwaqa says the new units will be upgraded with advanced features, including night-vision capability, and are designed to be tamper-proof—an assertion aimed at addressing vulnerabilities seen with the current cameras, which, according to him, can be disabled by simple means like spraying with a hose.
The Suva Retailers Association, led by President Jitesh Patel, counters that they have already installed about 20 cameras in the central business district and say they were unaware of any plan for 80 new cameras or their intended locations. Patel noted that while the groups have collaborated on prior projects, the current relationship between the council and retailers “is not syncing like it should be syncing,” signaling a potential snag in the rollout.
Both the City Council and the Suva Retailers Association are in talks with the police to establish a central monitoring hub to coordinate surveillance and responses. The council has committed to installing the new cameras by the 20th of the next month, with the Hibiscus Festival serving as a backdrop for the timing.
The divergence over how many cameras are planned comes as several earlier reports described a related CCTV initiative in Suva. Multiple summaries published around January 4, 2025, indicated a plan to deploy 40 advanced CCTV cameras in the central business district, stretching from Nabukalou Bridge to Walu Bay Bridge, with a dedicated monitoring station likely housed at the market station or the SCC office. Those reports described technology similar to that used in parts of Australia, capable of low-light operation and identifying persons of interest, and they framed the project as part of broader policing modernization efforts, including potential drone surveillance and data-driven crime prevention measures.
What this means for Suva
– A sizable expansion of CCTV coverage is being pursued, with a stated goal of improving public safety and crime prevention in key commercial corridors.
– The discrepancy between 80 cameras (new article) and the previously reported 40 cameras (earlier reports) points to possible scope revisions, budget considerations, or phased rollouts that need clearer communication from the council.
– The push for a central monitoring hub in collaboration with the police signals an emphasis on real-time monitoring and rapid response to incidents.
– The involvement (and concerns) of the Suva Retailers Association highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparency to ensure local businesses are aligned with security upgrades.
Additional context and value
– If the 80-camera plan proceeds, it could significantly broaden surveillance coverage and potentially improve incident response times, but it also raises questions about privacy, data handling, and community oversight.
– The timing ahead of the Hibiscus Festival suggests a focus on heightened security during a busy period for the city, but clear communication about locations, funding, and governance will be essential to maintain trust with businesses and residents.
– Observers will want to watch for an official, detailed rollout plan, including exact locations, the final number of cameras, maintenance responsibilities, and how the monitoring hub will operate in practice.
Summary
The Suva City Council is pursuing a major CCTV upgrade, with reports of an 80-camera plan ahead of a key festival, while retailers say they were not consulted and previously installed about 20 cameras. While both sides are engaging with police to create a central monitoring hub, earlier coverage cited a 40-camera plan with a specific corridor focus. The situation points to a broader push to modernize surveillance and crime prevention in Suva, tempered by questions of process, transparency, and impact on privacy. The coming weeks should clarify the exact scope, locations, and governance of the CCTV network, as well as how retailers and the public will be kept informed.
Potential positive spin
If managed transparently, the expanded CCTV network could deter crime more effectively, streamline police responses, and boost confidence among businesses and residents in Suva’s central district, potentially contributing to a safer, more vibrant urban environment.
Note for editors
– Monitor for a formal statement from the council clarifying the final camera count, scope, and locations.
– Report on the outcome of the negotiations with the Suva Retailers Association and the police regarding the central monitoring hub.
– Track the tendering process and any budgetary implications, as this will shape public reception and implementation timelines.
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