More than 100 employees have left the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) since 2022, resulting in a significant skills and competency gap within the workforce. This issue was brought to light at WAF’s “Annual Customer Forum” held this morning in Suva.
Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg indicated that the departures include 65 staff members from essential roles such as electrical and mechanical trades, technical officers, laboratory staff, GIS officers, surveyors, land valuers, and finance officers. He noted that WAF is losing skilled workers primarily to Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Strategy and Information Officer Seymour Singh emphasized that this problem directly affects the water sector and needs to be addressed. He pointed out that WAF is not just facing competition from overseas but also from other sectors within Fiji.
The purpose of the WAF Annual Customer Forum is to provide updates on the organization’s development and projects, discuss various issues, and gather feedback on service delivery. The forum aims to share information and enhance awareness to promote positive changes in water conservation, waste management, and the overall services provided by WAF.