The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has appointed Paula Cirikiyasawa as its new permanent secretary. Cirikiyasawa brings two decades of experience in civil service and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the role. He succeeds Dr. Raijeli Taga, who is moving on to a new position after four years in this role.
Public Service Commission chairman Luke Rokovada highlighted Cirikiyasawa’s strong leadership skills, innovative mindset, and strategic vision as key reasons for his appointment. Prior to this new role, Cirikiyasawa held various senior positions in the Ministry of Commerce, Business Development and Investment, and the National Planning Office, before joining UNDP in 2018, where he contributed to global development efforts.
Rokovada expressed excitement in welcoming Cirikiyasawa as the new permanent secretary, emphasizing that he will oversee the ministry’s strategic direction and operations with a focus on innovation, growth, and sustainability. Cirikiyasawa himself is eager to leverage his expertise to promote continued growth and success within the ministry.
Dr. Taga is set to begin her new role next month, and Rokovada acknowledged her significant contributions to the ministry’s achievements during her tenure.