Since 2022, more than 100 employees have left the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), resulting in significant gaps in workforce skills and competencies. This issue was brought to attention during WAF’s “Annual Customer Forum” held in Suva this morning.
WAF’s Chief Operating Officer, Seru Soderberg, reported that the departures include 65 individuals from essential fields such as electrical and mechanical trades, technical officers, laboratory staff, GIS officers, surveyors, land valuers, and finance officers. He noted that the authority is losing these skilled workers to job opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Strategy and Information Officer, Seymour Singh, emphasized that this problem directly affects the water sector and requires urgent attention. He mentioned that the turnover isn’t just to international markets; WAF is also seeing staff move to other sectors within Fiji.
The WAF Annual Customer Forum aims to provide updates on the authority’s developments and projects, discuss ongoing issues, and gather feedback regarding service delivery. Additionally, the forum seeks to share information and raise awareness, targeting changes in attitudes and behaviors in society concerning water conservation, waste management, and WAF services overall.