CCTV cameras installed across key streets in central Suva are now fully operational, with final internet connectivity work expected to be completed by the end of this week before the system is formally handed over to police.
This has been highlighted to fijivillage News by President of the Suva Retailers Association, Jitesh Patel, who confirms that the project has reached its final phase, with efforts focused on ensuring stable internet connections so that live footage and images can be effectively monitored by police at the command centre.
Patel says the cameras have been installed in several high-traffic and high-risk areas within the association’s boundaries, including Mark Street, Cumming Street, Waimanu Road, Greig Street, Nina Street and the Sportsworld Carpark near the Grants horse betting area.
He says the carpark has been identified as a particular concern due to frequent grab-and-run incidents and suspected drug activity, with discarded needles found in the area on several occasions.
While no major drug arrests have yet been made through the CCTV system, Patel says the cameras have already helped identify people in grab-and-run incidents, with images regularly forwarded to police for follow-up.
Insert: Patel On CCTV set up Dec 17
Patel says the CCTV project was initiated last year and is being funded entirely by the Suva Retailers Association, in partnership with Bonwell, which Patel acknowledged as a key sponsor.
He also thanked the business community for allowing power access from their buildings to support the installation.
