President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has praised the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) for reinstating the staff excellence awards to acknowledge the hard work of their employees in one of the nation’s most crucial sectors.
The Authority held its awards night on Friday after a four-year break. Ratu Wiliame expressed his satisfaction in being among dedicated professionals who ensure effective management of water across the nation.
Reflecting on his experience at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Ratu Wiliame shared that the theme discussed was “Water for Shared Prosperity”. He emphasized to global leaders that water remains essential for our planet and our collective fate, describing it as the essence of life and the vital element that unites us all.
As a traditional leader, Ratu Wiliame frequently reminds the people of Macuata about the blessing of having water sources near their villages and settlements, stressing the responsibility to protect these resources to guarantee clean and safe water for everyone.
Ratu Wiliame highlighted the importance of water for sustaining life and urged all stakeholders to evaluate progress and address ongoing challenges to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
He noted the unique relationship and dependency that Fiji and other Pacific island states have on the natural environment, a relationship that has become increasingly fragile due to climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events affecting water and food access.
Despite numerous challenges, including climate change impacts and the need for constant infrastructure upgrades, Ratu Wiliame commended the WAF for its unwavering commitment to delivering essential water and wastewater services nationwide.
He praised the executive board, management, and staff for aligning with national and international development strategies, highlighting the Water Sector Strategy 2050, which prioritizes projects and programs to transform service delivery and upgrade infrastructure over the next three years.
Ratu Wiliame underscored that sustainable development heavily relies on water access and responsible management, especially amidst worsening climate change. He reiterated the commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, also impacting health, education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
The President acknowledged that the awards system enhances employee morale, encourages innovation, and fosters a productive workplace that aligns with the culture of appreciation he advocates as Head of State. He emphasized the integral role of all employees in the organization’s success.
Lastly, Ratu Wiliame thanked the WAF staff for their perseverance, adherence to safety protocols, and commitment to providing quality drinking water and wastewater services, acknowledging the progress in urban, suburban, and rural areas. He also remembered the contributions of past WAF staff who have helped strengthen national commitments.