Fiji: The newly appointed Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, received a traditional welcome at the WAF National Office in Nasinu.
The WAF took the opportunity to provide an overview of the current work and plans to the Minister. While addressing staff, Tuisawau sincerely thanked the staff for the services provided.
“I sincerely thank you all for the services you have delivered in the past years – especially in the last 12 months – it has not been easy, and it is not an easy task, it is difficult, and a lot of you are subjected to criticism,” said Tuisawau.
Minister Tuisawau said he was enlightened after being briefed by the CEO and the Board.
“I would like to thank the CEO of the Water Authority of Fiji Dr Amit Chanan, his management team and the Board for their time to update and bring me up to speed on the challenges as well as plans in place for WAF. I look forward to working with WAF,” said Tuisawau.
Minister Tuisawau was briefed on the need to invest in resilient infrastructure due to the impacts of climate change and in WAF’s planned water loss reduction program to mitigate water leakage.
Tuisawau welcomed the work that WAF is starting on ‘Water Sector 2050’, which will see the engagement with Fijians on water priorities for the next 3 decades.
“Let me reassure you, from the Board, Management and the staff I am here as Minister to work closely with you as a facilitator and also to support the organisation and the staff.”
WAF CEO Dr Amit Chanan said that the Authority stands ready to work with Tuisawau.
“We welcome the fact that water is your number one priority, and the WAF team is ready to work with you and share your vision to improve water services for all Fijians. We do share your passion for advancing Fiji’s water supply and sanitation services to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals targets,” Dr Chanan said.