President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has praised the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) for reintroducing the staff excellence awards to recognize the hard work of their employees in one of the country’s most essential sectors.
The WAF held its awards ceremony on Friday after a four-year break.
Ratu Wiliame expressed his pleasure at being among dedicated professionals who work relentlessly to manage the nation’s crucial water resources effectively.
Reflecting on his participation at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, earlier this year, he noted that the theme shared with global leaders was “Water for Shared Prosperity.”
“I reminded world leaders that water is vital for our shared planet and destiny. It is the essence of life, the pulse of our planet, and the crucial element that connects us all,” he said.
“As a traditional leader, I constantly remind my chiefs and the people of Macuata that we are fortunate to have water sources near our villages and settlements. It is our responsibility to protect these sources to ensure access to clean and safe water for all,” he added.
Ratu Wiliame emphasized that water sustains life, urging all stakeholders to evaluate their progress and tackle ongoing challenges to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for access to clean water and sanitation.
“I reminded leaders that for Fiji and the Pacific, remote island states with a special relationship and dependency on the natural environment, this relationship has grown fragile due to climate change, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events impacting our water and food access,” he said.
Despite facing challenges due to climate change and the need to upgrade and maintain infrastructure, WAF has remained committed to providing essential water and wastewater services nationwide.
Ratu Wiliame commended the WAF’s executive board, management, and staff for aligning with national and international development strategies, highlighting the Water Sector Strategy 2050, which focuses on transformative projects and infrastructure improvements over the next three years.
“Our sustainable development heavily relies on water access, making responsible management key to our shared future, especially amid worsening climate change,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, which also impacts health, education, gender equality, and poverty alleviation.
“This reward system boosts employee morale, motivates self-improvement, encourages innovation, fosters constructive dialogue, and inspires organizational engagement, creating productive workplaces,” he said.
“Regardless of which strategic business unit you belong to, your role is integral to the organization’s success,” he added.
He stressed the commitment to ensuring reliable access to safe water and effective wastewater management for all citizens and the importance of investing in sustainable practices and infrastructure for future generations.
Ratu Wiliame thanked WAF staff for their perseverance, adherence to safety protocols, and commitment to providing quality water and wastewater services to 154,000 residential and non-residential customers in urban and suburban areas, with progress in rural areas.
He also remembered the contributions of WAF staff who have passed away, honoring their roles in achieving the organization’s goals and strengthening national commitments.