The Labasa Taxi Association is expressing concerns about the effectiveness of the Northern Command Centre of the Fiji Police Force, which is connected to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town, as well as in Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Association chairperson Mahen Prasad is urging the authorities to utilize these CCTV cameras to help identify illegal taxis, commonly referred to as ‘pirate taxis’, that operate in Labasa. These illegal taxis are essentially private vehicles that transport passengers and charge fares as if they were registered taxis.
The association’s concerns were elevated following a recent incident in which a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, was allegedly assaulted by a driver of a private vehicle. Prasad highlighted that taxi drivers face risks such as threats and physical abuse when they file complaints about illegal operations.
He also mentioned that the police have not taken action against vehicle owners believed to be involved in illegal taxi services, despite the association providing them with a list of such vehicles. Prasad stated that the police have yet to respond or address the issue adequately.
Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, acknowledged the ongoing threats faced by taxi drivers.