The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tonga Water Board (TWB), Sione Tutulu Finau, has been dismissed from his position, along with two other senior officers.
The decision was reportedly made following the release of an Auditor’s report, according to the Minister for Public Enterprises.
While the details of the report have not been disclosed, Minister Piukala stated that the TWB board of directors acted immediately upon receiving the findings, despite Finau’s contract being set to expire next month.
Minister Piukala also said the post was already being advertised.
The dismissals are part of a broader government review initiated by the Eke administration, which came into power after campaigning on promises of reform and accountability.
The review has already led to significant changes across several government-owned enterprises, including the restructuring of Lulutai Airlines and the termination of former CEO Poasi Tei’s contract.
In addition to leadership changes, the government has implemented reforms to reduce salaries and side benefits across various public board entities, signalling a shift toward cost-efficiency and transparency.
This included the revocation of former board members whose terms had been extended by the former interim government in December, despite their contracts being set to expire in March 2025.
