Physician and resident of the Capital City, Dr John Fatiaki says the ratepayers will be crucial in his plans to make Suva what she can truly become.

Dr Fatiaki, who was informed of his appointment just two days ago, said that as a Suva city resident for 50 years, he was very familiar with the city and its history over time.

Appointed as a special administrator of the council alongside Opetaia Ravai, Josaia Gonewai and chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa, Dr Fatiaki initially hopes to familiarise himself with the council’s operations and contribute in a meaningful way to the city’s development throughout 2024, “once we, the special administrators, have met and prioritised the city’s immediate and future needs”.

Dr Fatiaki said he had no specific personal plans for the upcoming municipal elections at this point.

“But I hope that in my role as a special administrator for the SCC, I will be able to contribute towards and facilitate the holding of these elections as soon as the Government determines,” he said.

“I am deeply humbled, grateful and honoured to have been appointed a special administrator for the SCC and look forward to serving the people of Suva in this capacity.

“The challenges will be many and varied and I will be in a better position to answer this question when I have familiarised myself more with the operations of the SCC to date.”

Dr Fatiaki said those challenges would require the support of the Government, the council and, most importantly, the people of Suva who were the ratepayers that fund the council’s operations and were the beneficiaries of it.

He said it would require working together towards the common goal of making Suva what she could truly become.

Asked if they would be paid an annual salary, Dr Fatiaki said he was not aware of such an arrangement.

“I am not aware of a salary paid, but understand that there is an annual allowance that is payable and as determined by the higher salaries commission or similar body.”