Kadavu crime drops, drugs remain concern

Crime in Kadavu has fallen over the past six months, according to police figures presented to the Kadavu Provincial Council.

However, provincial leaders say drug-related activities remain a major concern and are calling on communities to work together to address the issue.

Council chairman Isikeli Vuniwaqa said the latest police report showed criminal activity in the province continued to decline.

"The crime rate in Kadavu, according to the police report, has been proper. In the last six months it is still dropping at this point in time," Mr Vuniwaqa said.

He said while the reduction in crime was encouraging, drug-related activities remained an issue that required a collective response.

"Drug is still an issue that needs to be addressed. The people of Kadavu and the Provincial Council are trying to engage every individual to be part of the fight," he said.

Mr Vuniwaqa said the province could not ignore the impact of drugs but stressed that responses must follow proper processes.

His comments followed discussions at the provincial council meeting about the role of traditional leaders and communities in tackling drug-related issues.

He said maintaining the downward trend in crime would require continued cooperation between Police, communities, chiefs and other stakeholders.

Mr Vuniwaqa also said Kadavu continued to face other challenges, including the high cost of living, with shipping costs contributing to higher prices for food and other goods.

He said addressing those issues remained part of the province's broader development agenda as Kadavu pursued long-term investment opportunities.