President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has praised the Water Authority of Fiji for reinstating the staff excellence awards to recognize the hard work of their employees in one of the nation’s most essential sectors. The Authority held its awards night on Friday, following a four-year break.
Ratu Wiliame expressed his pleasure in being among dedicated professionals who work relentlessly to ensure effective water management across the country. He shared his experience from the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, where the theme was “Water for Shared Prosperity.” He emphasized to world leaders that water is crucial for our shared planet and destiny, calling it the essence of life and a vital element that connects us all.
He stressed the importance of protecting water sources to ensure everyone has access to clean and safe water. The President highlighted that water sustains life, urging stakeholders to address ongoing challenges to achieve SDG 6, which focuses on access to clean water and sanitation.
Ratu Wiliame pointed out that Fiji and other Pacific island states have a special relationship with the natural environment, which has become increasingly fragile due to climate change, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. These challenges affect access to water and food.
Despite significant challenges such as climate change and the need for infrastructure upgrades, the Water Authority of Fiji team remains committed to delivering essential water and wastewater services nationwide. He commended the executive board, management, and staff for aligning with national and international development strategies. The Water Sector Strategy 2050 prioritizes projects aimed at transforming service delivery and upgrading infrastructure over the next three years.
President Katonivere emphasized that sustainable development depends significantly on responsible water management, especially amid worsening climate change. He reiterated the importance of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, which includes access to clean water and sanitation, health, education, gender equality, and poverty alleviation.
The reward system, he added, boosts employee morale, encourages innovation, prompts constructive conversations, and fosters organizational engagement, resulting in productive workplaces. This culture of appreciation is one he strongly advocates as Head of State and chancellor of the awards. He urged all employees to commit to ensuring that every citizen has reliable access to clean and safe water and efficient wastewater management.
On behalf of Fiji, President Katonivere thanked the Water Authority staff for their dedication, adherence to safety protocols, and commitment to providing quality drinking water and wastewater services to 154,000 residential and non-residential metered customers in urban and suburban areas, with progress in rural regions. He also honored the contributions of WAF staff who have passed away, acknowledging their role in strengthening national commitments.