A new initiative is set to enhance safety across Fiji’s marketplaces following the signing of a partnership agreement aimed at reducing drug-related activities, theft, and violence affecting both vendors and shoppers. In a ceremony held in Suva, representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, the Fiji Police Force, municipal councils, and Market Vendor Associations formalized the Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement has been supported by UN Women through their Markets for Change (M4C) project.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa expressed his approval of the collaboration, stating, “Let it be known that our market vendors stand with the municipal councils to support Police in fighting against drugs,” signaling a unified front against crime in market areas.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu emphasized that improving safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement. He announced that new surveillance measures, including the deployment of CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, will be introduced to boost security in public spaces. “Police cannot fight crime alone — today’s signing strengthens our collective effort to keep public places safe,” Tudravu noted.
Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative, highlighted the importance of community trust in ensuring market safety, stressing that safety is everyone’s responsibility. The initiative also receives backing from the Australian Government, which supports efforts to enhance market safety and empower women vendors as part of the M4C program.
This agreement reflects ongoing efforts in Fiji to create a safer environment for market activities. Such collaborative approaches and increased investment in surveillance not only aim to combat criminal activities but also encourage community involvement in maintaining a secure market atmosphere.
In a related initiative, recent training workshops under the M4C project have focused on bolstering the entrepreneurial skills of market vendors, equipping them with essential business knowledge to enhance their operations and income potential. This holistic approach underscores a commitment to not only improve safety but also build stronger, more resilient local economies across Fiji.
The collective efforts to address market safety and empower vendors illustrate a positive trajectory towards fostering safer, more vibrant community spaces, promising a more secure future for all stakeholders involved.