Concerned citizens are speaking out about the increasing number of youths loitering on the streets, highlighting their disruptive behavior, including smoking marijuana, sniffing glue and using illegal substances in the heart of Suva.
Many residents in Suva have reported that the situation has worsened in recent months, with some expressing frustration over the growing number of beggars employing new begging tactics in Suva and Nausori.
Beggars have been found to use manipulation tactics such as calling strangers mummy, grandpa, sister, Ta and lying about losing transport money.
Shoppers and business owners have also voiced concerns, citing incidents where such behaviors have deterred customers and created an uncomfortable atmosphere in public areas.
A shopkeeper in Suva, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the situation has become a daily challenge, with people frequently loitering or begging right outside their shops on Mark Street and Cumming Street in Suva.
In response to these concerns, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu has called on business owners to be patient as police work to make towns and cities hassle-free during this time of year.
Driu says the police are working daily with the Department of Social Welfare to remove people from the streets and patrols will continue to ensure streets are cleared of dwellers.
Questions have been directed to the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection regarding the immediate and long-term measures being taken to address the issue, but are yet to respond.
