Residents of village communities in Kadavu, Fiji, are voicing their frustrations regarding the slow response times of the police, with some cases reportedly taking up to three weeks to be addressed. District Officer Ravuama Walai highlighted that the police often take an extended period to attend to incidents, which poses challenges, especially when the individual involved has already relocated to Suva by the time they arrive.
Walai further pointed out that the situation in Kavala, located in Eastern Kadavu, is exacerbated by poor network coverage. This lack of reliable communication makes it difficult for residents to promptly report criminal activities. The island’s sole police station in Vunisea serves the entire community, and the available limited resources create significant operational constraints.
These delays are leading to a troubling trend where residents feel discouraged from reporting incidents, ultimately undermining trust in the justice system. In a bid to address these concerns, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has announced plans to establish a police post in Kavala. This initiative is part of broader efforts aimed at curbing crime and drug-related problems in Fiji.
The villagers are hopeful that improved communication coverage and quicker police response times will help restore their confidence in law enforcement. This underscores an essential need for a more robust and responsive police presence to ensure the safety and security of the communities on Kadavu.