Since 2022, more than 100 employees have left the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), resulting in a significant skills and competency gap within the workforce. This issue was discussed during WAF’s “Annual Customer Forum” held in Suva this morning.
WAF’s Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg noted that the staff departures include 65 individuals in critical roles such as electrical and mechanical trades, technical officers, laboratory personnel, GIS specialists, surveyors, land valuers, and finance officers. He indicated that many of these skilled workers are relocating to Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Strategy and Information Officer Seymour Singh stressed that this situation directly affects the water sector and needs urgent attention. He also mentioned that WAF is not only facing competition from overseas markets but is also losing employees to other sectors within Fiji.
Additionally, the WAF Annual Customer Forum aims to provide updates on WAF’s developments and projects, address various issues, and gather feedback regarding service delivery. The forum is intended to disseminate information and raise awareness, encouraging changes in attitudes and behaviors related to water conservation and waste management, as well as broader WAF services.