The Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.) has a new Managing Director, Fuimaono Dominic Fa’atoialemanu Schwalger, it was announced on Wednesday. 

The caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, confirmed the appointment.

It comes two months after the organisation's former C.E.O., Seugamaalii Jammie Saena, tendered her resignation.

Speaking during his weekly programme with TV3 on Wednesday afternoon, Tuilaepa revealed that a total of five applicants were interested in the role.

“After the committee’s interview process, the Cabinet was advised, that they had chosen [Fuimaono] as the head of the [S.W.A.] and this was endorsed by Cabinet,” he said.

“Five applicants applied for the position.

“The difference between the applicants is as thin as a blade due to the high qualifications.”

Fuimaono was previously the Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Division Manager.

He is a father to four children and a husband to Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) Chief Executive Officer, Galumalemana Titi Tutuvanu-Schwalger.

The caretaker Prime Minister said other applicants included, Namulauulu Irasa Mauala, Toaigaoaloali’I Mathew Wendt, Tafeamaalii Philip Kerslake, Aufa’I Petaia Tausanimaiomanu.

Namulauulu and Tafeamaalii both head divisions at the S.W.A.

The Managing Director appointment is for contractual employment of three years.

Tuilaepa said making such appointments on contractual terms is designed to incentivise high performance as doing so results in contract extensions. 

“After close to three years, the position is advertised again, and if they don’t perform well, this is the chance for someone else to come through,” he said.

“And the significance of the interview process being done by a separate committee before they give their recommendation, it eliminates the mentality of others who think that we handpick the successors.”

Tuilaepa dismissed insinuations and rumours that the selection process for Government appointments was less than rigorous. 

“Since the beginning some of the successors are children of those who are completely against me and this Government, but it is our policy not to consider his or her’s opportunities because of the different side the parent stands," he said. 

“If this person is the most qualified to take on the role, they will be chosen.”

Tuilaepa said a father’s political beliefs should not hinder his children’s future.

“This is important because there is a lot of demeaning comments thrown my way that say I am solely making the appointments, to my children and my family,” he said.

“I forbid that.”