Focus on Local Infrastructure, Minister Tells
Municipal councils should focus on local infrastructure even during the pandemic period. These were the sentiments shared by the Minister for Local Government when she opened the Special Administrators’ Forum in Suva yesterday. Ms Kumar said these included improved local infrastructure such as public parks and sporting grounds; municipal markets, car parks and sporting venues, improving local amenities and increasing social and economic opportunities within municipalities.
“You also know that investing in council’s performance delivers a substantial return for the community,” Ms Kumar said.
Some of the key performance indicators agreed upon in the inaugural forum were cost control, revenue management, customer service, organisational structure and local projects for beautification.
Ms Kumar said municipal councils must rethink and change the business attitude.
She said this change required critical assessment of organisational structure, adopting innovation, engaging with key stakeholders and changing the business model.
She said digitisation should be the key focus. “Municipal councils can no longer afford to work in isolation or individually. Our strength is in working together,” Ms Kumar said.
“Put ratepayers first - use customer-centric models of service delivery. Address community needs and their complaints.”
Suva and Lami special administrator chair Isikeli Tikoduadua said, Suva as the largest municipality was looking forward to working with other councils, and seeing how best they could assist and learn.
The forum will close today.