Market safety and peace of mind for vendors and shoppers at the Rakiraki Market have significantly improved following the installation of CCTV cameras.
Rakiraki Market Vendors Association President, Vilisi Voka says the cameras were installed through the collective efforts of the vendors, with support from the Rakiraki Town Council.
She says the Association requested assistance from the council and, together with vendors, raised funds to support the initiative.
The Association President confirms eight CCTV cameras were installed inside the market in August last year after the Association collected $500 to help cover installation costs.
Voka says the presence of the cameras has played a key role in addressing crimes that were previously occurring inside the market, including the selling of drugs.
She says the CCTV system has also strengthened cooperation between the council and market executives, allowing incidents to be monitored and addressed quickly.
Voka adds that if any issue arises, vendors are allowed to access footage through the market manager’s office.
She says awareness of the cameras among vendors and the public has acted as a strong deterrent, with crime inside the market now significantly reduced and drug-related activity inside and around the market having stopped.
Voka says the initiative shows what can be achieved when vendors and local authorities work together to improve safety and security for both sellers and customers.
