Fiji’s civil servants have recently been granted a 3 percent salary increase, sparking discussions about whether this boost will translate into better service delivery and productivity. Minister Manoa Kamikamica voiced both appreciation and critique regarding the civil service, highlighting the dedication of many workers while also pointing out persistent systemic inefficiencies.
Kamikamica noted that although there are outstanding civil servants, productivity remains a challenge. He compared the public sector to successful private companies such as Vodafone, underscoring the need for a cultural and operational shift within government institutions. “We talk about productivity, yet we struggle to get it right,” he stated, urging for a change in mentality among civil servants.
He encouraged a more committed approach to improving service delivery, emphasizing that the civil service should strive to meet public expectations. “Politicians come and go, but civil servants are the foundation. It’s time to deliver for the people,” Kamikamica remarked.
This year has been described as a pivotal moment where the government seeks to address various issues, including infrastructure and health services, with the support of international partners and local leaders. While the plan for improvement is ambitious, the execution will be critical. “We have a plan. We’re executing it. Over the next few years, you’ll see transformational changes in government services,” Kamikamica assured.
Other government representatives have echoed Kamikamica’s sentiments. Finance Minister Biman Prasad pointed out the direct correlation between the recent pay increase and the expectation of enhanced efficiency. He stressed that the government is exploring internal discussions about productivity to refine their approach.
In a broad context, initiatives for enhancing civil service productivity are not new. Similar concerns have been raised by industry leaders, such as Jerome Kado from PricewaterhouseCoopers, who noted that while diligent workers exist, there is an urgent need for faster results and improved coordination within government projects.
Moreover, Prasad announced plans for a comprehensive review of the civil service structure to promote efficiency, indicating a commitment to improving the overall effectiveness of public services. The presence of robust training initiatives for civil servants also reflects a hopeful direction towards fostering a more productive civil service environment.
With these steps being taken, there is optimism that the factors hindering performance will be addressed, and that Fiji will experience a more efficient and responsive public sector, ultimately benefiting its citizens.
Leave a comment