In a significant governmental reshuffle, Ronald Rozenblad has been appointed as the President-Commissioner of NV Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM), Suriname’s national water utility company. The appointment occurred during an extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened on December 29 at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Minister David Abiamofo, representing the State of Suriname as sole shareholder, presided over the meeting alongside Water Director Gonda Asadang and SWM Deputy Financial Director Freddy Crisis. The newly constituted Board of Commissioners comprises seven members: Sacha Mertowirijo, Sharmaine Artist, Alice Amafo, Nigel Sloot, Keshian Joekoe, and Rudiwal Baarh alongside Chairman Rozenblad.
This leadership transition follows a December 10 cabinet decision that terminated the previous board led by acting President-Commissioner Preshand Baldew. The new board received a five-year mandate beginning immediately.
During the transfer ceremony, Minister Abiamofo emphasized the board’s dual responsibility: not only providing oversight but also serving as a crucial liaison between shareholders, management, and employees. Core responsibilities include safeguarding policy direction, maintaining operational quality, and ensuring corporate governance standards.
The board’s immediate priority involves conducting a comprehensive operational assessment of SWM, with findings to be reported directly to the government. Additionally, the ministry plans to establish structured policy dialogue mechanisms between the shareholder and commissioners.
Minister Abiamofo acknowledged the outgoing board’s contributions while noting the incoming team faces particular challenges in ensuring continuous delivery of clean drinking water amid complex operational conditions.