Cracking down on the spread of prostitution, illicit drugs in our vulnerable communities
Prostitution and the illicit drug trade are parts of the dark underbelly of many low-cost housing areas in the country. It is common knowledge that they exist but they appear to be in the “too difficult basket to deal with”. So many people shrug their shoulders and move on. Turning a blind eye is a convenient way of dealing with the problems.
Some even feel that “who are we to interfere” when the offenders are engaged in illegal activities to survive these difficult times.
These two crimes are usually difficult for the Police to stop by their very nature.
They are underground and operate in a clandestine manner. Their secrective nature plants fear in the minds of people who are afraid of reprisals if they work in collaboration with the Police and dob in suspects.
The reports of sexual services or prostitution at Public Rental Board flats comes as no surprise. Minister for Housing, Premila Kumar, who received the reports, says the ministry is now looking at having security officers in some of the blocks.
She says surveys of PRB flats and reports from tenants have shown that crimes including vandalism are rife.
The situation reveals that when people are desperate to survive they will turn to prostitution, drugs and other crimes like robberies and thefts.
The perpetrators are usually from the low socio-economic group.
The crime statistics for last month released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions show a disturbing trend.
The PRB flats are priced so that tenants are able to afford the rents. Mrs Kumar says the Vakatora Housing in Lautoka tenants are paying only $5 a week.
That is virtually free accommodation. It gives the tenants an opportunity to look for cash to pay for their food and other basics. It is sad that some of them are using the flats to solicit clients for the purpose of prostitution and illegal drugs.
The other matter of concern is vandalism. This is an act of mindless violence and thuggery perpetrated by those who have no moral conscience of human decency.
It is encouraging to learn that Mrs Kumar is going to do something about it.
Law enforcement officers and associated services need to help Mrs Kumar clean up these flats and get rid of undesirable elements who should not be allowed to impose and spread their insidious influence in our vulnerable communities.