Lautoka is grappling with a pressing security issue due to delays in installing CCTV cameras throughout the city, a matter of heightened concern as the festive season, traditionally associated with increased crime rates, approaches. The Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association, led by President Narayan Reddy, has urged authorities to expedite this project, which was initially proposed by former Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan last year.
The initiative aimed to deploy cameras in crime hotspots has faced multiple setbacks, including damage from Tropical Cyclone Winston that destroyed earlier installations. Despite ongoing discussions post-cyclone, there has been no tangible action to restart the project. Reddy emphasized that functional CCTV systems could significantly mitigate crimes like pickpocketing and drug trafficking, which have become more overt.
Frustrated by the project’s stagnation, Reddy calls for immediate financial support to revive the camera installation before the high-risk months of November and December. He highlighted public reluctance to engage with the police, stressing the need for law enforcement to rebuild trust with the community.
The administrative perspective, offered by Lautoka Board of Special Administrators Chairperson Taitusi Rasoki, reveals that the project remains in deliberation, further delayed by the resignations of key personnel previously involved. Efforts are being made to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to effectively address crime once the surveillance systems are operational.
This security challenge in Lautoka mirrors similar initiatives in Suva, where the city council has started installing advanced CCTV systems to combat rising crime. These advanced systems in Suva include cameras with night-vision and motion-detection capabilities and 24/7 monitoring stations, reflecting a broader regional move towards employing technology in crime prevention.
The situation in Lautoka highlights the need for effective cooperation between city councils and police forces, as well as the urgency of timely project implementation to enhance public safety and reduce crime. Lautoka can take cues from Suva’s proactive measures to rebuild community trust and ensure a safer environment through modern surveillance technology. The emphasis is on collaborative efforts to secure urban areas and protect residents as the holiday season approaches.