The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government Dimity Fifer has announced that Special Administrator teams have appointed the latest group of chief executive officers for Municipal Councils across Fiji.
According to the Fijian government, 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.
She 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 chief executive officer 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 and 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.
Sailosi Sawana is appointed as the new chief executive officer responsible to manage Rakiraki Town Council and Tavua Town Council. Mr Sawana holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific.
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 heads include implementing the strategic plan set 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.”
