Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has accused the Labasa Town Council of creating a “highly volatile and avoidable crisis” by allowing market vendors to operate inside the town’s main taxi stand, saying the decision has disrupted transport services and unfairly affected taxi operators.
Speaking during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Maharaj said the council’s decision had created conflict between vendors and taxi operators.
Mr Maharaj said the taxi stand was already congested, accommodating 185 licensed taxis that paid a base fee to operate there.
“By placing market stalls in this exact space, the council has suffocated a vital transport hub,” he said.
“Taxis now have nowhere to safely park or queue while the LTA and police aggressively fine legal operators for minor issues, illegal operators right in front of them face no penalty at all.”
He claimed the issue reflected a wider problem across the country, alleging that licensed taxi operators were penalised while illegal operators escaped enforcement.
Mr Maharaj also questioned the council’s revenue collection, claiming it charged both taxi operators and market vendors for the same space.
“They deserve better, and we need to correct this as soon as possible.”
