07 August 2010 07:31
SOLOMON Islands Water Authority’s (SIWA) recently appointed general manager Fred Ganate has been sacked.
So as SIWA’s manager finance Roger Townsend and manager administration Ruben Tovotou.
SIWA’s new board chairman Phil Bradford announced the sackings yesterday as his board takes steps to improve the operations of the water authority.
It’s believed the trio was sacked for poor performances.
Mr Bradford said Ray Anderson, from manager engineering and operstions, has been appointed manager SIWA.
“The action was the first step the board has planned to streamline and improve the operations of SIWA,” Mr Bradford said.
“Other measures will take place; the public will be kept informed.
“We were fortunate to receive at short notice a sum of money to recruit a contractor to assist with the restructuring of the SIWA finances.
“It is hoped RAMSI, JICA and World Bank as well as others will come to SIWA’s assistance in time to come,” Mr Bradford said.
He said by improving cash flow, funds will be freed up to meet outstanding debts and improve water supply in general.
SIWA owes SIEA some $20 million; this is hindering SIEAs operation in maintaining a proper power supply.
Mr Bradford said metered hydrant standpipes are on order and once arrived it will be necessary for all water delivery contractors to obtain one from SIWA and thus be charged for water drawn from the SIWA mains.
“Operators found ‘stealing’ water by not using a metered standpipe will be liable to prosecution and a fine of up to $5,000 for each offence.
“Plans are underway to move SIWA headquarters to the Tuvaruhu compound and release the present site for redevelopment.
“One or more payment centres will be established around Honiara.
“All SIWA assets are to be valued and assessed to decide weather they are required or not for SIWAs operations.
“Those not required will be disposed or made use of in other ways.
“Once the administration is sorted out it is planned to offer an amnesty period to those consumers who know to have illegal connections.
“After which any illegal connection found could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to $3,000.00 for each offence.
“We will also be encouraging customers with areas or outstanding bills to come forward to avoid legal action.
“SIWA will be running advertisements in respect to the above points in the local media,” Mr Bradford said.
The newly appointed board consists of:
Phil Bradford, Chairman. Former employee of SIEA and for the past 30 years proprietor of an engineering and engineering supplies company. Ethel Francis, Board Member. Ethel has a strong background in accounting and is assisting in that area. Antoinette Wickham, Board member. A former employee of SIWA and a qualified mechanical & environmental engineer, she will be assisting in those areas. David Laurie, Board Member. A former employee of SIEA, electrical engineer and now a World Bank appointed board member of SIEA. David has extensive engineering and management background.
Mr Bradford said the Ministry of Finance is also providing advisory support to the board.
“We are confident we can turn SIWA around so as to provide the services the Honiara and other communities expect of an emerging nation.
“The task will not be easy and will take time.
“Some medicine is not sweet but must be taken to survive.
“We look forward to the support of the community so we can help the community by providing a better water supply.”
[Source: http://www.solomonstarnews.com/]
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