The government is intensifying its expectations from executives of state-owned enterprises by tying their salaries to performance outcomes. Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, emphasized that executives need to justify their compensation through tangible results. Profitability has been specified as a critical measure, with all public institutions to be evaluated based on their effectiveness by the end of the current government’s term.
Tubuna remarked, “You want to ensure that if you govern a state entity, make sure that it is profitable. At the end of our term, we want to see and evaluate what is the effectiveness of these institutions, because the public, they require a return.”
In a related vein, Inosi Kuridrani, Chair of the Land Transport Authority, highlighted that poor communication between boards and the government hinders progress. He advocates for boards to have greater autonomy to make quick decisions, particularly for minor policy modifications that can enhance service delivery.
The Higher Salaries Commission noted that implementing performance-based pay can lead to stronger, more accountable boards. This sentiment resonates with previous remarks from Finance Minister Biman Prasad, who discussed the connection between salary increases for civil servants and the expectation of improved productivity and service delivery.
Indeed, experiences shared by numerous officials indicate a pressing need for a cultural shift in government institutions, focusing on efficiency and timely project execution. Initiatives to empower boards and improve communication can lighten bureaucratic bottlenecks, ultimately fostering an environment of accountability and better results for the public.
Such transformative efforts could pave the way for a more responsive and effective public sector in Fiji, highlighting the government’s commitment to delivering value to its citizens. This optimistic approach signals a dedication towards reform and improvement, which could enhance the overall quality of public services in the country.
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