Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer of Suva City Council, has been identified as the highest-earning municipal leader in Fiji, with an annual salary of $159,386. This figure was disclosed in Parliament by the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, as part of a broader update regarding the salaries of acting CEOs in various municipal councils across the country.
The disclosure emerged following a written inquiry in Parliament about the remuneration of acting municipal leaders. Currently, the Suva City Council, along with the Nasinu Town Council and Tavua Town Council, is under the management of special administrators who are acting in the role of CEOs.
The report further explained that the salaries for these acting CEO positions are determined by a formula that accounts for 95 percent of the salary difference between the Special Administrator and the CEO’s base salary. In comparison, Felix Magnus, the acting CEO for Nasinu Town Council, earns an annual salary of $79,549.80, while Sireli Korovulavula from Tavua Town Council is currently receiving a $12,000 annual allowance as he awaits full salary approval from the Higher Salaries Commission.
In total, the three councils are allocated $183,055.66 for acting CEO salaries, supplemented by an additional $26,252 designated for allowances related to vehicles, mobile phones, internet, and travel for official duties. Furthermore, Mr. Nalumisa noted that executive chair positions referenced in earlier discussions have not been established, as the ministry currently does not sanction the creation of new roles within municipal council frameworks.
This development shines a light on governance and administrative structures within Fiji’s municipal councils, prompting discussions about fiscal responsibility and the management of public funds. It’s an opportunity for councils to pursue transparency and enhance public trust by ensuring that the management of municipal resources aligns with broader goals for community development and service delivery.
In summary, the current salary disclosures highlight significant financial information about municipal chief executives in Fiji. This may serve as a catalyst for future audits or reforms aimed at increasing accountability and effectiveness within the councils.
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