High staff turnover in municipal councils continues to be a significant issue, as highlighted by findings from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence regarding the Savusavu Town Council Annual Reports from 2011 to 2013. Opposition MP Hem Chand has urged the Ministry of Local Government to prioritize this challenge, emphasizing that stable staffing is essential for councils to effectively achieve their objectives and enhance their reporting processes.
Chand noted that high turnover can lead to various adverse effects, including decreased productivity, increased recruitment costs, and strains on existing staff and human resources departments. He acknowledged that retaining staff is a formidable task but stressed its importance for the sustainability of the councils.
Responding to the issue, Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa attributed the problem to poor management within previous administrations. He assured that measures are being taken to address the situation and enhance oversight. The Ministry is actively monitoring and expediting the review process for annual reports from municipal councils to ensure timely submissions and help resolve ongoing issues.
The need for better governance and accountability among local councils has also been echoed in similar reports focusing on other municipalities, such as Suva and Nausori, where governance challenges and financial mismanagement have been spotlighted. In recent discussions, Minister Nalumisa has pointed out that inconsistencies in reporting templates are further complicating efforts, which he aims to tackle through the implementation of a standardized reporting system across municipalities.
These proactive measures indicate a commitment to improving governance and transparency in local councils, fostering hope for a more stable and effective municipal management framework. Stakeholders are optimistic that through enhanced collaboration and accountability measures, the councils can overcome these challenges and work towards better community engagement and service delivery. By focusing on retaining skilled staff and establishing consistent standards, municipal councils can aspire to create a more efficient governance structure that serves the interests of local populations.
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