The Fiji Public Service Association has voiced sharp concern over what it describes as a seven-month delay by the Suva City Council and the Ministry of Local Government in moving on a serious workplace misconduct complaint against Suva City Council’s acting chief executive, Tevita Boseiwaqa.
FPSA general secretary Judith Kotobalavu said the grievance traces back to a November 2024 incident involving the former collections manager, who allegedly faced threatening behavior during a meeting with Boseiwaqa. Kotobalavu asserted that Boseiwaqa addressed the employee’s collections matter in a manner that was described as threatening and intimidating. She said the executive’s actions included slamming a table and ejecting the employee from the meeting, creating what she characterized as a toxic work environment that contributed to the staffer’s resignation and impact on his mental health.
Kotobalavu added that, despite sending several letters to the Suva City Council and escalating the matter to the Ministry of Local Government, there has been no action for more than seven months. She argued that the gravity of the allegations—abuse of authority and professional and unprofessional conduct—requires a prompt, transparent, and independent investigation, warning that continued silence sets a dangerous precedent for accountability in public institutions.
In response, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa confirmed that the ministry had initiated an investigation. He said the permanent secretary is overseeing the process and has assembled a team to probe the claims raised by Kotobalavu. Nalumisa stressed that the ministry is taking the matter seriously and that due process will be followed.
The episode arrives amid a broader push in Fiji to strengthen governance and public accountability within local and national agencies. In recent years, Fiji has seen independent investigations and oversight activity surface across public bodies, including inquiries led by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and other government mechanisms, in cases ranging from alleged abuse of office to financial irregularities at various councils and statutory bodies. These developments underscore the ongoing emphasis on integrity, transparency, and staff safety in public service leadership.
Commentators and stakeholders say that timely, independent investigations are essential to restoring trust and safeguarding staff welfare in public institutions. If findings are released and appropriate steps are taken, the outcome could reinforce a culture of accountability that benefits the Suva City Council, its employees, and the wider public.
Additional notes and context:
– The FPSA’s concerns reflect ongoing calls from public-sector unions and associations for swifter action on misconduct complaints, especially those involving senior figures.
– The ministry’s confirmation of an investigation signals formal engagement, though timelines and outcomes remain to be seen.
Possible implications moving forward include potential disciplinary proceedings if the investigation substantiates the allegations, renewed focus on workplace culture within Suva City Council, and stronger safeguards for employees who raise concerns. The situation continues to unfold, with public interest centered on due process, independence, and accountability. A constructive resolution could bolster reforms that improve governance and staff well-being across Fiji’s public sector.
Summary: A serious workplace misconduct complaint against Suva City Council’s acting CEO Boseiwaqa has prompted calls for prompt, transparent action after months of inaction, with the Ministry of Local Government now conducting an organized investigation. The case sits within a broader pattern of governance issues and accountability drives across Fiji’s public sector, offering an opportunity to reinforce standards and protection for employees. A positive, accountable outcome could enhance trust in public administration and lead to reforms that benefit staff and the public alike.
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