10 July 2020 – The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government Dimity Fifer is pleased to announce that Special Administrator teams have appointed the latest group of Chief Executive Officers for Municipal Councils across Fiji.
After numerous rounds of recruitment and a due diligence process, the Councils have identified personnel with the right skill sets to ensure that modern professional management is embedded in local government administration.
Ms. Anurashika Bari has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer for Nasinu Town Council and Nausori Town Council. Ms. Bari who holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Sunshine Coast brings in significant expertise in Project Management, Finance and Business Administration. Ms. Bari recognizes the need for social responsibility and looks forward to serving her local community. With her expertise, she is expected to overcome the major challenges faced by these two Councils.
Ms. Priya Singh has been appointed as the new CEO for Ba Town Council. Ms. Singh has a strong accounting background and knowledge of a wide range of financial practices that will improve the current financial system of the Council. Ms. Singh is currently completing her Executive Masters, Business Administration at the Fiji National University. Ms. Singh is not new to the developments and activities around Ba, as she was born and bred in Ba. With her wide range of skills and knowledge, the Council strongly believes she will be able to meet her deliverables as expected by the Council and the community.
Mr. Sailosi Sawana is appointed as the new CEO responsible to manage Rakiraki Town Council and Tavua Town Council. Mr Sawana holds a Masters in Business Administration, from USP. He is a qualified Public Accountant with over 25 years of progressive accounting, corporate and audit experience augmented by a strong post-secondary background in Accounting, Auditing and Business Administration. Mr. Sawana’s leadership will deliver high quality results when it comes to the performance and growth of Rakiraki and Tavua.
Ms. Fifer stated that the primary responsibilities of all Council CEOs include implementing the strategic plan as yet out by the respective Special Administrator teams; managing the overall operations and resources of their respective Councils; liaising with the local community and acting as the main point of communication between the Special Administrators and relevant stakeholders.
“Municipal Councils have been facing challenges that hinder major developments in various towns and cities. In addition, the delivery of services in the past years has not been up to the expectation of ratepayers.”
“The progressive appointment of new CEOs will ensure that embedding transparency and good governance will bring in the expected reforms. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of services provided by the Councils in their respective municipalities,” said Ms. Fifer.
She added that Chief Executive Officers have been reminded of their roles and responsibilities and the importance of practicing good governance.
“It is important that the Municipal Councils operate in a proper manner in ensuring the ratepayers’ demands are met and appropriate services are provided to the communities,” Ms. Fifer stated.
-End-