The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has expressed deep concern over what it says is a seven-month failure by the Suva City Council (SCC) and the Ministry of Local Government to act on a serious workplace misconduct complaint against SCC acting CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa.
According to FPSA general secretary Judith Kotobalavu, the complaint stems from a November 2024 incident involving the former manager of collections, who allegedly faced threatening behaviour during a meeting with Mr Boseiwaqa.
“In November 2024, an incident occurred in which the acting CEO addressed the former manager’s collections in a manner that was both threatening and intimidating,” Ms Kotobalavu claimed.
“Instead of physically assaulting the former manager collections, the CEO struck the table forcefully and subsequently removed him from the meeting room.”
She alleged that the confrontation created a toxic work environment that impacted the staff member’s mental health and led to his resignation.
“This event has fostered a toxic work atmosphere, resulting in heightened stress and depression for the former manager collections. Additionally, it has endangered feelings of fear and anxiety, which are detrimental to his role as a vital member of the SCC team and consequently led to his resignation.”
Ms Kotobalavu said, despite repeated letters to SCC and escalation of the matter to the Ministry of Local Government, there had been no action for more than half a year.
“Although there were several correspondences to SCC and the association escalated the matter to the ministry during the past seven months, there has been no action taken on the matter so far.
“Despite the gravity of the allegations, which include abuse of authority and professional and unprofessional conduct, the council and the ministry have yet to initiate any transparent and meaningful response.
“This silence is not only unjust to the complainant but also sets a dangerous precedent for workplace accountability within public institutions. Public sector leaders, particularly those in executive roles, must be held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and any allegation of misconduct must be investigated promptly, independently, and without bias.”
In response, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa confirmed the ministry had initiated an investigation.
“The ministry is doing the investigations on that one,” he said.
“The permanent secretary is now handling it and has arranged a team to investigate the claims that have been made by Ms Kotobalavu.”
