Maharaj Backs Nemani’s Call

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has thrown his support behind Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) Executive Chairman Maritino Nemani’s call for stronger enforcement against illegal taxi operators, particularly those allowing provisional licence holders to transport paying passengers.

Maharaj echoed Nemani’s concerns about passenger safety, calling for immediate joint enforcement operations involving the Ministry of Transport, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Fiji Police Force.

He urged authorities to conduct sustained operations across all divisions, checking vehicle permits and driver credentials.

Maharaj said he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament on behalf of licensed taxi operators who pay fees, meet inspection requirements and maintain commercial insurance while competing with unauthorised operators.

“The government has penalised the very citizens who obey the law while rewarding lawbreakers,” Maharaj alleged.

He said illegal taxi services, commonly known as pari taxis, threatened both passenger safety and the livelihoods of legitimate operators.

Like Nemani, Maharaj raised particular concerns about provisional licence holders allegedly transporting paying passengers through illegal services.

He said licensed operators were already struggling with rising fuel prices and substantial operating costs, while unregulated competitors continued to undermine their earnings.

While acknowledging transport shortages in some communities, Maharaj said these must be addressed without compromising passenger safety or ignoring legal requirements.

“It is time for the government to stop tolerating lawlessness and start standing up for our legal taxi drivers and the safety of the travelling public,” he said.