The Ministry of Local Government has authorized eight overseas trips for five special administrators, with the total cost to taxpayers amounting to approximately $20,712.78 from January 2023 to November 2024. This information was disclosed by Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa in response to an inquiry from Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar regarding the special administrators’ travel activities.
The special administrators involved include Lawrence Kumar and Saliceni Raiwalui from the Nadi Town Council, Doreen Miller from the Labasa Town Council, as well as Ritesh Singh and Tevita Boseiwaqa from the Suva City Council. Notably, the expenditures for a trip to the United States in October 2023, conducted by the Nasinu Town Council under special administrator Felix Magnus, were not included in this report.
During the travels, Mr. Kumar and Mr. Singh participated in the 8th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2023, with respective costs of $1,900.85 and $3,919.08. Mr. Raiwalui represented Fiji at the ICLEI World Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in June 2024, incurring costs of $4,099.50. Ms. Miller took part in COP28 in Dubai last year, although her expenses were not detailed. Mr. Boseiwaqa engaged in four overseas trips, which included a seminar on waste management technologies, a smart city summit and expo, the 5th China Shaoxing International Friendship Cities Conference, and a workshop on climate change impacts on oceans, totaling $10,793.35.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized that these overseas trips were financially supported by various international agencies, with municipal councils only responsible for covering incidental and per diem allowances for the special administrators. He highlighted the importance of these trips in boosting capacity building, cultivating partnerships, and aligning municipal operations in Fiji with global best practices.
The minister assured that the trips were conducted with a focus on accountability and transparency, noting that expenses, objectives, and outcomes were carefully documented and evaluated to ensure responsible use of public funds. By empowering special administrators, the government aims to enhance municipal governance and support the sustainable development of Fijian cities and towns.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach to improving local governance, ensuring that special administrators are equipped with the necessary skills and partnerships to serve their communities better. It highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens through effective municipal management.
In summary, the government’s investment in these overseas trips suggests a strategic move to strengthen local governance and foster international relationships that could yield long-term benefits for Fiji’s urban development.
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