AN important challenge to the municipal management is to change the past institutional culture of the municipalities, says Minister for Local Government, Urban Development and Environment Colonel Samuela Saumatua.
The minister told a consultative forum for special administrators and municipal chief executive officers in Savusavu on Wednesday, of a shift from a reactive bureaucratic system to a managerial and proactive system of governance “and we are yet to see this being exercised effectively”.
“This forum has provided a platform for you as urban leaders to share your experiences and learn from each other,” Col. Saumatua said.
He said the discussions should also be centred on key issues that affected municipal performance and establish a network for continuous exchange of information to help advance the performance of municipal services.
“We want to build a relationship among municipal leaders so that they will help one another to manage the challenges they face in their respective towns and cities,” said Col. Saumatua.
“Also, the forum will allow leaders to share information and experiences on strategic and municipal issues that can be applied to enhance the level of municipal services,” said Col. Saumatua.
The opening of the two-day forum which ended yesterday also featured the launching of the Labasa Town Council website.