A SUBMISSION was made at the national budget consultation in Nadi this week of the need to invest in neighbourhood watch zones in communities.
Reflecting on the issue of security, Fiji Airways captain Seini Koroitamana Cornish said watch zones were crucial for residents’ safety.
“In Fiji generally, we need to empower the younger people,” Ms Cornish said.
“We are looking at the younger policemen to interact with the communities and have some responsibility early when they start. It might be fun for them.
“So, I would not mind in investing on neighbourhood watch zones to support the young police officers and we do not have to go straight to the army if that falls short.”
Meanwhile, Nadi private doctor Ahmed Shariff also echoed similar sentiments, urging Government to relook at enforcement.
“When we talk about not getting looked after, that means our police officers are not getting paid enough,” he said.
“We do not have vehicles for them, the lady (Ms Cornish) has talked about something personal and something that the medical sector has been pushing for which is a rise in drug cases and HIV/AIDS, that means lack of security, and we are talking about low economic, social status because it leads to this.
“But we can improve it by way of security and I’m humbly asking if we can really look at enforcement.”
In response, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel acknowledged the submissions made, saying the Government also encouraged community-based policing servicing neighbourhood watch zones.
