Minister Consider Increasing Police Presence
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua is considering increasing the presence of Police officers in Cakaudrove before the opening of the Nawi Island Pte Limited in Savusavu.
During his visit to Savusavu Police Station on Wednesday, Mr Tikoduadua asked the provincial administrator (PA) of Cakaudrove Ilisoni Lagi on the update of business development in Savusavu. Mr Lagi said the biggest project was the multi-million dollar Nawi Island Pte Limited which was expected to open in the
middle of the year.
“You won’t have enough control of who comes and I feel it is important we strengthen Police operations on the ground,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“There would be more tourists, cruiseliners, yachts and movement of both local and overseas tourists.”
He said there would be an increase in economic activities and businesses, thus creating Savusavu an attraction. Savusavu Police Station, the acting station officer Sefanaia Keni said the estimated population of Cakaudrove was 53,000 and hence, they needed more officers.
“There are three police stations (Taveu
ni, Savusavu, and Tukavesi) with a total of 174 Police officers and five police community posts in Saqani, Korotasere, Wailevu, Rabi Island and Matei on Taveuni,” Mr Keni said.
“There are 18 districts, 153 villages, 686 settlements, 13 secondary schools, 70 primary schools, two vocational schools, 76 pre-schools, two nightclubs, two banks, 23 resorts and hotels.”
He requested Mr Tikoduadua that while they were looking at the human resource, if they could also look at upgrading the facilities in all stations and posts.