New board to address water crisis
The immediate priority of the newly appointed six-member Water Authority of Fiji Board will be to look into some of the critical issues that WAF continues to face.
In addition they will work closely with Government and key stakeholders to find solutions and improve operations.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made the comments while announcing their appointment which was done in consultation with Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Their appointment is effective from April 12, 2023.
Leading the board as chair is Savenaca Seniloli, a qualified engineer by profession, is the national operations manager at Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Pte Limited. Mr Seniloli has vast experience in processing and manufacturing, engineering, and agro-industry development.
Board members, Mele Rakai is a Partner at Sherani & Co. and the vice-president of the Fiji Women Lawyers Association.
She has a wide range of experience in civil and criminal law and is a board member of the Legal Aid Commission and the Fiji Girl Guides Association.
Amit Singh, who has more than 12 years’ experience in the regional and Fiji water sectors, serves on the Strategic Advisory Board for Alliance for Global Water Adaptation. He is also a member of the International Water Resources Association. Vula Vakacegu, an engineer has experience in water development affairs and has served on the board of various organisations.
He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and strategic direction. Semi Leiwere, a consultant and formerly the general manager for FNPF Investments Ltd, was a People’s Alliance candidate in the 2022 election.
He holds a Master in Business Administration and more than 20-years of commercial expertise in financial investment.
Graham Dooley, the director and advisor of Shamrock Advisory Pty Ltd is the former chief executive officer for Water Utilities Australia. He specialises in civil engineering with a focus on water resources. “Each director brings with him or her new perspectives and experience that we are confident will add value to the operations of WAF,” Mr Rabuka said.
He also acknowledged and thanked the outgoing chairperson Bhavesh Patel and members of the previous Board Umarji Musa, Kamal Gounder, PL. Munasinghe and Hemant Kumar for their contribution and service.