Fiji’s Land Transport Authority of Fiji (LTA) has become the first statutory body to undergo training as part of the ‘I don’t accept bribes’ campaign being conducted by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam commended the authority for being the first law enforcement institution to participate in the campaign.

“Your institution plays a vital role in keeping the lives of Fijians safe, and we can’t afford for LTA to be sidetracked from that important role due to the influences of bribery,” Mr Aslam said in a statement.

“It is important that we work together and address this matter effectively and eradicate any form of corruption starting from bribery, whether it’s systemic or otherwise. We hope to eradicate corruption and build a good foundation through this Anti-Bribery Campaign,” he added.

He also urged members of the public to report bribery cases without hesitation, and also identify those demanding bribes from the public.

United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, Anti-Corruption Advisor Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska said in the statement that the campaign aimed to bring about a long-term behavioural and systemic change.

“It is about addressing the impact of corruption on the daily lives of the citizens of Fiji who are being served by all public institutions and the public servants representing those institutions,” she said.

Ms Trajanoska said by rejecting bribery, civil servants would contribute to preventing the drainage of resources caused by corruption and ensure it went towards achieving important development outcomes for Fiji.