Tevita Boseiwaqa has been identified as the highest-paid municipal leader in Fiji, as revealed by the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, during a recent session in Parliament. Mr. Boseiwaqa holds the position of acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the Suva City Council, with an impressive annual salary of $159,386, a figure established by the Higher Salaries Commission.
This disclosure was part of a broader update regarding the salaries of acting CEOs from various municipal councils in Fiji, prompted by questions raised in Parliament. Currently, the Suva City Council, along with Nasinu Town Council and Tavua Town Council, is temporarily managed by special administrators functioning as acting CEOs.
The report explained that the salaries of these acting CEOs are determined by taking 95 percent of the difference between the Special Administrator’s salary and the CEO’s base salary. For instance, Felix Magnus, the acting CEO of the Nasinu Town Council, earns an annual salary of $79,549.80, while Sireli Korovulavula, the acting CEO of Tavua Town Council, currently receives a $12,000 annual allowance as he awaits the Higher Salaries Commission’s approval for his complete salary.
In total, the three councils together incur expenses of $183,055.66 for acting CEO salaries, with an additional $26,252 allocated for allowances covering official vehicles, mobile phones, internet, and travel related to official duties.
Furthermore, Mr. Nalumisa clarified that no new positions for executive chairs have been created, as such positions are not approved by the ministry within municipal council structures.
This situation highlights the financial structure and compensation levels of local government in Fiji, demonstrating efforts to ensure leadership roles are appropriately remunerated amid the challenges of effective governance. It reflects a commitment to maintaining transparent and accountable local administration, aiming to enhance public service delivery.
By promoting transparency in salary disclosures, there is hope that local councils can foster trust and engagement within their communities, encouraging a collaborative approach to governance and development.
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