The Interim Government has approved a request to set aside money so that the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces get new vehicles.

In his submission to the Interim Cabinet yesterday, Interim Minister for Defense and National Security Ratu Epeli Ganilau said that the vehicles are needed urgently if they are to meet their target of reducing the crime rate by half.

Police currently have 242 vehicles out of which 208 are still operational. Out of the 242 the Department of Government Supplies has ruled that 34 vehicles are not to be used again as they have passed their lifetime. To meet their target of a 50% decrease in crime, they would need a total of 102 new vehicles.

Meanwhile, the RFMF will also be getting some new vehicles as they will have to give up their entire fleet of vehicles because most have outlived their useful lifetime. After the boarding of their vehicles, the Military is left with only 46 vehicles thus an urgent need for new vehicles.

Ratu Epeli also revealed that from their respective Budgets, the Police would only be able to purchase a total of 12 new vehicles with the RFMF affording only 13 new vehicles.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Commodore Esala Teleni is expected to comment later today.