Six state-owned enterprises are currently running at a loss, Multi‑Ethnic Affairs and Public Enterprises Minister Charan Jeath Singh has disclosed, as he moved to reassure the public that the Government intends to rescue rather than shut struggling state firms. Singh said strengthening governance and management through new board appointments and a formal review process were central to the turnaround plan.
Singh told media he now oversees 22 public enterprises, with eight more recently added to his portfolio — bringing the total under his remit to 30. “We are committed to turning them around rather than closing them,” he said, stressing the emphasis would be on improving systems rather than attributing failure solely to board members. “It’s not about blaming individuals. It’s about improving systems and governance.”
As a first practical step, the minister said he had appointed roughly two dozen new directors to public enterprise boards to inject a mix of experience and fresh ideas. “So far, we have appointed 24 to 27 capable individuals. We want people with knowledge, experience, and the ability to drive change,” he said, adding that the Government would be adding new directors to some existing boards to achieve a balance of seasoned and new members.
Singh rejected suggestions that underperforming boards were entirely to blame for losses, pointing instead to wider operational and structural problems that have impacted profitability. He argued the approach must be systemic — encompassing stronger oversight, better management practices and targeted government support — to restore fiscal health and service delivery. The minister said the government’s backing would be particularly important in making enterprises viable in rural communities.
To track progress, the Government will conduct a one‑year review of the public enterprises, Singh said. Boards will be expected to demonstrate improved finances, strengthen management and show tangible results under the review framework. “Within nine months, people will see real progress,” he said, expressing confidence that strong leadership and coordinated support could make even struggling firms viable again.
The revelation that six state entities are loss‑making is the most concrete snapshot yet of the financial pressures facing Fiji’s state sector and comes as the minister moves to consolidate oversight and governance. The appointment of new directors and the pledge of a timed review mark the latest development in a broader effort to restore performance and accountability across public enterprises. How quickly those steps translate into improved balance sheets and service outcomes will be measured against the nine‑month and one‑year targets Singh has set.
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