SOME drivers are pressured into meeting payment demands, forcing them to work longer hours, says Lautoka Zone Taxi Association president Vijen Prasad.
“I know for a fact some drivers use drugs to stay up and drive longer hours,” he said.
Responding to statements by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku that taxidrivers used illicit drugs to enable them to work longer shifts, Mr Prasad said he agreed with Mr Rabuku. who’s also head of the DPP’s Drug Unit.
“They use it because they need to work longer hours so that they can earn money to pay either for their cars or to the proprietors who own the taxi,” Mr Prasad said.
“There is a lot of pressure on taxidrivers right now to make these payments. If they don’t, they either lose their car or lose the contract with the taxi owners.”
Mr Prasad said he would support any move by the State to carry out random or compulsory drug tests.
“I believe we should have these drug tests because this is overall for the safety of our passengers and other road users.
“We have been experiencing a lot of accidents lately and while there have not been any serious accidents involving taxidrivers, I think we should still carry these tests out.
“It is a precautionary measure to avoid any kind of accidents.”
On the other hand, Fiji Taxi Association trustee and former president Raben Singh said there were hardly any reports of taxidrivers using or dealing drugs.
“If they are doing this then they should be taken to task,” said Mr Singh. “We don’t condone it at all.”
Questions sent to the Land Transport Authority on its plans for random or compulsory drug tests for PSV license holders remain unanswered.
