Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Inia Seruiratu broke ground for the new Nadi Police Station this morning and noted that it’s another step forward in the service delivery of the Fiji Police Force.
“The Western division has had its fair share of challenges and I commend you for continuing your work amidst the difficult circumstances that you went through and I commend the dedication shown by all of you in such challenging situations,” he told officers.
“Today’s ceremony may be a mere formality for some but for the people of Nadi and visitors to our shores, it signifies hope that in the not-too-distant future, a new structure will be erected and house all the requirements needed to meet the growing demands of policing.
“The Government is supportive of the restructure and reform plans for the Fiji Police Force, having factored in growing demands based on your services. This restructure process is admittedly long overdue and this Government has taken heed to your needs to be able to cater for Fiji’s growing population and emerging crimes.”
The Minister said while developments have outpaced institutional arrangements, infrastructure, technology and capacity, they have managed to cope with changing scenarios via the strategic development plan laid out by the Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.
“If we don’t manage change we will become irrelevant also very reactive and I’m thankful that through the reforms that have been initiated by the Commissioner, that you are able to cope with the changes that are happening and I assure you as your Minister that I will do my best to take all the issues to Government to ensure that for national security, we need economic security. For economic security, we need national security. We have to have continued growth and economic stability.
"Government has and will continue to provide the Fiji Police Force with the necessary support through the provision of operational resources and soon, similar ground-breaking ceremonies will be held in other divisions which are in urgent need of new police stations; Nakasi being one, Nalawa in Ra and so are the others."
Divisional Police Commander West, SSP Surend Sami said the new Nadi Police Station would not only benefit their police officers but also allow them to serve the people of Nadi District with pride and distinction.
“The Western Division is the economic hub of the country and the police have a huge responsibility to ensure that the division continues to attract investors and the country enjoys sustained economic growth.”
The new station was designed by Maisura Design Limited and will be built by Cope Construction Limited.