Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, announced that 10 out of 12 municipal councils have successfully appointed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), while two positions remain unfilled, specifically in the cities of Suva and Labasa. This development follows scrutiny from Opposition MP and former Local Government Minister Premila Kumar, who raised concerns within Parliament regarding the selection process and the presence of self-appointed council heads.
Kumar argued that the figures provided by Nalumisa were misleading, asserting that eight councils are still without CEOs, not just two as claimed. She emphasized that many individuals currently acting as CEOs are essentially self-appointed via political connections, creating potential conflicts of interest.
In a defense of the recruitment strategy, Minister Nalumisa explained that the selection of CEOs for the municipalities is handled by two independent recruitment agencies to ensure transparency and professionalism in the hiring process. He insisted that all appointed individuals must meet strict criteria, including relevant experience and qualifications necessary for managing large municipal operations.
“The appointment of CEOs is crucial for effective local governance,” Nalumisa stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to facilitating competent leadership and enhancing service delivery. He pointed out the essential skills required for positions in major municipalities, such as financial management and operational oversight.
The government’s commitment to strengthening local governance has been a recurring theme in the discussions surrounding this issue. The Ministry of Local Government is actively working to improve municipal services and governance through careful selection processes that emphasize merit-based criteria. Optimistically, the engagement of professional recruitment agencies could lead to better-suited candidates filling these critical leadership roles, ultimately benefiting the citizens served by these councils.
As local governance discussions continue, there is hope that the persistent debates in Parliament will pave the way for reform and improve the operational efficacy of municipal councils across Fiji. The ongoing efforts to recruit qualified CEOs signal a forward-looking approach aimed at developing more accountable and effective local administrations.
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