Naivalurua seeks action over taxidriver assaults

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Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua. Picture: KATA KOLI/FILE

POLICING Minister Ioane Naivalurua has referred concerns over attacks on taxidrivers in Nausori to the Eastern Division commander for closer attention.

Mr Naivalurua said the issue was an operational matter that should be dealt with by the division responsible.

He said the matter fell under the responsibility of the divisional commander rather than being a policy issue.

“It comes under the responsibility of the division commander.

“It’s not a policy matter. It’s an operational matter. It should be addressed and dealt with by the division commander.”

He said he had taken note of the concerns and had reminded the Eastern Division commander to look into the matter.

“I’ve noted it down. I’ve sent a reminder to the division commander to take a closer look.”

His comments come amid concerns over the safety of taxidrivers, with attacks on drivers raising questions about security while they provide public transport services.

The Fiji Times reported in June that taxi operators in the Western Division were considering refusing service to unruly passengers following a series of assaults on drivers.