MONEY is not an issue for organisers of the week-long Divisional Crime Prevention Festival that ended in Lautoka last weekend.
Western Crime Prevention Committee president Faiaaz Ali said while the event failed to meet the $50,000 target, the organisers were happy to interact with a large number of people. "Our target was to raise $50,000 but I think we will only collect $25,000 as most of the stalls were empty during the week-long festival," he said.
"Of the 34 stalls prepared, there were only four food stalls and five flea market stalls filled.
"In fact, about four stall owners still need to fully settle their fees and we are giving them some time to pay up the balance.
"Weather was the contributing factor for the low turn-out but we are thankful to those who showed up to support this worthy cause."
Mr Ali said the week-long festival had laid a platform for future festivals with a bigger event planned for next year.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the mission of the carnival was to establish and develop a good rapport with the community and bridge differences.
She said the event was planned to create more awareness, allow for outreach, and to advocate in the hope of curtailing the rise in crime.