The Labasa Taxi Association is raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force’s Northern Command Centre, which is linked to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town. This center also has connections to CCTV cameras in Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Nabouwalu.
Association chairperson Mahen Prasad is urging the utilization of the CCTV cameras to help identify illegal taxis, commonly referred to as ‘pirate taxis,’ that are operating in Labasa. These illegal taxis are typically private vehicles that transport passengers and charge fares similar to those of registered taxis.
The association’s concerns were amplified following a reported assault on a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, by the driver of a private vehicle. Prasad expressed that taxi drivers face threats and the potential for physical harm when they file complaints against certain drivers.
He further alleged that police have not acted on information regarding the owners of vehicles reportedly involved in illegal taxi operations. “We have provided the police with a list of vehicles identified as pirate taxis. However, they have yet to respond or take action against these offenders,” he stated.
Divisional Police Commander for the North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, acknowledged the ongoing threats that taxi drivers encounter.