Suva City Council open to pay cut for its executives

A municipal council is open to considering pay cuts for its executives to support the Government’s relief measures amid the ongoing fuel crisis.

Suva City Council acting chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said a pay cut for council special administrators is possible, but noted there is a significant difference between their salaries and those of Government ministers.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka last week announced a 20 per cent pay cut for all ministers, assistant ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) as part of Government cost‑cutting measures amid the fuel crisis.

When asked whether the council would follow suit, Mr Boseiwaqa said the idea was being considered.

“Possible, possible,” he told this masthead, but was quick to point out that the comparison was not straightforward.

“The remuneration or the salary of ministers and council members — or the special administrators — there is a big difference,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.

“Looking at the nature of their work, it’s also quite challenging and very demanding, especially with only three special administrators right now for Suva City.”

Special administrators are appointed officials currently running Fiji’s municipal councils in place of elected members, while local government elections remain on hold.

Mr Boseiwaqa said a better time to review pay would be after the September municipal elections, when Suva is expected to have 27 elected councillors.

“After the municipal election, there will be about 27 members on the council, so there will be less work,” he said.

“It’s their call to review. And it’s a good time too.”

When asked whether he would contest the local government elections, Mr Boseiwaqa said he would not, but left open the possibility of contesting the 2026 General Election.

“For the main one, I’m still undecided,” he said. “I’m focusing on doing the job right now.”

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