Quality, speedy construction and housing for all Fijians are among key aims of the newly-appointed top boss of the Housing Authority of Fiji.
Dr Punit Sethi, who is from India, has been appointed as the authority’s new chief executive officer and succeeds the former CEO Joshua Wycliffe.
A civil engineer by profession within a strong-techno commercial background, Dr Sethi said his focus would include taking the housing organisation to the next level of success.
“My aim is to whatever I can do is made visible on the ground. And for that I need support and blessings of my board and staff and the people of Fiji,” he said.
“First of all, I will be going for quality construction and speedy construction because I find that there is a scope for improvement in quality.
“That you will find very soon some construction development activities will start slowly.”
Dr Sethi has also scheduled to meet with stakeholders in the housing sector in the coming weeks to convey his plans and visions on the short term to long term.
“So first, a meeting with all my stakeholders so that I should be winning their confidence, that whatever thinking about Housing Authority, their investment and money are given a good return in an appropriate manner.
“Even meeting with my architects and contractors conveying to them that we want to do proper business and also focusing towards business.”
Dr Sethi said he would also ensure that business practices were carried out in a cost-effective manner with close monitoring of development projects.
According to Housing Authority of Fiji board director and acting chairman Umarji Musa, Dr Sethi joins the organisation with a wealth of experience in expansion, development, quality construction, tendering/leasing, operations among others.
“Dr Sethi has expertise in affordable, low cost housing, smart cities and infrastructure development like sea ports, airports, highways, powerplants and special economic zones,” Mr Musa said while announcing the new appointment yesterday.
“The board is confident in his ability to chart a new direction forward and we are looking forward to working with Dr Sethi.”
Dr Sethi, who has prior experience in companies and projects in the United Arab Emirates, Africa, France, Malaysia and India, will serve in the post for a term of three years which is subject to renewal.
The former CEO, Mr Wycliffe in January last year took up the permanent secretary job for the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment while Isikeli Navuda acted in the post over the period.
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