Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting CEO of Suva City Council, has been identified as the top-paid municipal leader in Fiji, with an annual salary of $159,386. This information was disclosed in Parliament by the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, as part of a report on the salaries of acting CEOs across various municipal councils.
The salary figure for Mr. Boseiwaqa was established by the Higher Salaries Commission. This update followed a parliamentary inquiry regarding the earnings of acting CEOs in different councils, including Suva, Nasinu, and Tavua, which are currently overseen by special administrators.
The salary for acting CEOs is calculated using a formula that adds 95 percent of the difference between the salary of the Special Administrator and the base salary of the CEO. According to the report, Felix Magnus, the acting CEO of Nasinu Town Council, earns an annual salary of $79,549.80, while Sireli Korovulavula, acting CEO of Tavua Town Council, is currently on a $12,000 annual allowance, pending approval for his full salary by the Higher Salaries Commission.
In total, the three councils are allocating $183,055.66 for acting CEO salaries. Additionally, $26,252 has been designated for allowances covering essential services such as official vehicles, mobile phones, internet, and travel expenses for official duties.
Minister Nalumisa also noted that the positions of executive chairs mentioned in previous inquiries have not been established, as the ministry does not authorize the creation of new roles within municipal council structures.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency in public sector salaries, as well as the necessity for effective governance during times when councils operate under special administration. Understanding the structure of these salaries may foster greater public confidence in municipal governance.
In summary, the disclosed salaries of municipal leaders in Fiji reflect the need for clarity around the compensation of public officials. This transparency ensures accountability and may contribute to ongoing improvements in local governance.
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