Recent data presented to Parliament has revealed the earnings of acting chief executive officers from various municipal councils in Fiji. Within just five months of their appointments on July 4, 2024, Felix Magnus of the Nasinu Town Council amassed a total income of $110,288, while Tevita Boseiwaqa from the Suva City Council earned $98,610.
These figures, disclosed by Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalusima this week, indicate that Mr. Magnus received a base salary of $90,750, supplemented by $19,538 in allowances. In comparison, Mr. Boseiwaqa earned a salary of $92,305, with allowances totaling $6,305. The total salary and allowances for the acting chief executive officers across three councils amounted to $183,055.66 and $26,252.00 respectively, with allowances covering official vehicle use, mobile and internet expenses, and travel costs.
The Coalition Government appointed these acting administrators in December 2023 as part of an initiative to implement essential reforms in local government. According to the Ministry of Local Government, the appointments were based on merit, with candidates having a keen understanding of community needs. Currently, three councils are overseen by executive chairpersons.
Minister Nalusima explained that the salaries of the acting CEOs are determined in accordance with the Higher Salaries Commission Act 2023, taking into account the council sizes. Furthermore, he clarified that the role of acting CEOs is a temporary measure that will conclude once qualified and suitable candidates are found for the CEO positions.
To facilitate new recruitments, the municipalities have engaged KPMG Advisory (Fiji) Ltd to assist in identifying prospective CEOs, with the recruitment process expected to start this month and be completed by early 2025. The ministry hopes to attract visionary applicants who will significantly contribute to council reforms and overall success.
In total, expenditures for special administrators and acting CEOs across 13 councils from January to November 2024 reached $944,670.68. The allowances paid to special administrators by the Ministry of Local Government totaled $172,714.66, with councils covering additional costs related to travel and meals.
This focus on strengthening local governance through competent leadership and effective recruitment processes is a positive step forward, promising enhanced municipal services and improved management of community resources. The government’s commitment to transparency and legislative compliance is noteworthy, providing a foundation for sustainable development in these councils.
Summary: The article discusses the salaries and allowances of acting CEOs of municipal councils in Fiji, revealing Felix Magnus of Nasinu earned $110,288 while Tevita Boseiwaqa of Suva earned $98,610. It details the government’s appointment process for these positions, the rationale behind it, and the engagement of KPMG for new CEO recruitments. Overall, the focus is on improving local governance and community services.
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