Latest news with #CDFAct2023
Scoop
16 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Solomon Islands: HKH Constituency 2025 Development Pathway Targets Empowering Communities
The Hograno-Kia-Havulei (HKH) Constituency is charting a development pathway aimed at empowering communities through strategic investments in the productive sector. Utilising the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), the initiative seeks to stimulate the local economy, improve livelihoods, and elevate socio-economic conditions at the rural level. HKH Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Apollos Manegere underscored this vision during a recent meeting with community-based Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) in Kaevanga and Kia, Isabel Province. Accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Mr. Manegere outlined a holistic approach to rural development, integrating social, economic, and environmental components with a focus on sustainability, community-driven solutions, and infrastructure improvements. "Enabling local communities to identify their needs and implement solutions is vital for ownership and long-term success," Mr. Manegere said. "Our constituency office will continue to engage with the CDC to ensure the effective implementation of the 2025 CDF program." The HKH Constituency has prioritised the productive sector, allocating 40 per cent of its 2024 budget of $3.88 million to projects that generate economic returns. "We have abundant resources in fisheries, marine, agriculture, and forestry. By leveraging CDF support, we aim to inject investment capital into rural areas, reduce poverty, and enhance livelihoods," Mr. Manegere explained. 'Investments in agriculture and fisheries are expected to increase incomes and improve the quality of life for constituents. This aligns with our vision to foster economic growth and self-reliance," he added. Under the new CDF Act 2023, the HKH Constituency is committed to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of development programs. The Act introduces key changes, including the establishment of CDCs, which play a pivotal role in coordinating, endorsing, and monitoring CDF projects. "The CDCs are critical stakeholders in this process, with clearly defined responsibilities under the new law," Mr. Manegere emphasised. CDC functions include: • Coordinating constituency development programs. • Approving annual budgets. • Managing CDF funds in consultation with the Member of Parliament and the Constituency Office. • Monitoring and supervising project implementation. • Engaging with communities to develop tailored development plans. MRD's Principal Legal Officer, Ms. Diana Alasia who was also part of the team, highlighted the CDF Act's emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community participation. "The law mandates inclusive decision-making, requiring at least two women to serve on each CDC. It also ensures project recipients uphold their commitments through legally binding agreements," she said. Mr. Manegere expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government and the Ministry of Rural Development for their unwavering support of the CDF program. "This national initiative enables constituencies to access vital funds for development, directly benefiting our rural people," he noted. The Constituency Development Program, administered by MRD, is implemented across all 50 constituencies in the Solomon Islands to improve socio-economic outcomes nationwide.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
HKH Constituency Submits 2024 CDF Expenditure Report, Reinforces Accountability & Compliance With CDF Act 2023
Press Release – Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development The report submitted comprised of the records of the total CDF allocation of about 3.88m disbursed to each constituency at the end of the Financial Year 2024. The Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC) on Monday this week submitted its 2024 CDF Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), reinforcing accountability and compliance with the reporting obligation under Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023. The report submitted comprised of the records of the total CDF allocation of about 3.88m disbursed to each constituency at the end of the Financial Year 2024. The presentation was done by the Constituency Development Officer for HKH Constituency, Mr Apollos Manegere on behalf of the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Honourable Jeremiah Manele. Receiving the report on behalf of the Ministry of Rural Development, PS John Misite'e, said that this is a reassuring pace, as the Ministry continues to implement the CDF legislation and bringing guidance in the administration of the constituency program under this legal framework. PS Misite'e emphasised that Annual Reports inclusive of the financial expenditures' reports are important processes and documents within any organisation and more so when public resources are being utilised in service delivery. These reports re-enforce transparency and demonstrated accountability in the use of public resources and funds. PS Misite'e thanked the HKH constituency for its diligent efforts in complying with the reporting obligations and also thanked other constituencies that already made their submissions on this 2024 CDF disbursement. PS Misitee reiterated calls on other constituencies who are yet to submit their reports to do so as soon as possible. By law all constituency annual reports and expenditure reports should be submitted by February each year and to be compiled by MRD by March of any financial year. 'I am now calling on these constituencies to come forward with their reports soon'. PS Misite'e reiterated. The HKH Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Manegere on behalf of the Honourable Member of Parliament, Jeremiah Manele and its Constituency Officers was very delighted with its office for submitting their report and pledge to support MRD in the process annually to satisfy the legal requirements for reporting. The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on 22nd December 2023 and came into commencement/enforcement on the 5th of January 2024. This means that whatever offence (s) committed by a recipient (s) of the CDF program after the commencement date of the new Act will be subject to penalties. Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Public Officers if they commit an offence (s). A Member of Parliament (MP), or a Public officer or a fund (CDF) recipient commits an offence if he or she: Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations. Now that we have a new CDF Act, the responsibility is on all of us to take responsibility and comply with the new CDF law to avoid legal penalties. We (constituents) should not be fearful of this legislation as it is there to act as a guide to our conduct in working with and applying the CDF in our development processes. The purposes of the new CDF Act 2023 are;
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
East Makira Constituency Delivers Livelihood Assistance To Empower Rural Communities
Press Release – Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development This initiative underscores the governments ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable … The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office has successfully delivered the remaining Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded livelihood assistance and projects to recipients across EMC. This initiative underscores the government's ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi. From May 21st to 25th, 2025, EMC Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Mr. Timan Tauni facilitated the distribution of these vital projects to beneficiaries in their respective communities. The assistance is part of a larger $3.7 million livelihood support program delivered to communities and churches in East Makira Constituency earlier this year. Key highlights of the livelihood assistance include: Solar Energy for Vulnerable Groups: A total of 227 solar sets were distributed, with 114 sets allocated to Ward 12 and 113 sets to Ward 17. Priority was given to older adults, widows, and people living with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable lighting. 'Solar lights are transformative for rural communities. They enhance safety, improve health, and enable economic activities after dark, all while being environmentally sustainable,' Mr. Tauni explained. Boosting Fisheries and Transportation: Four fishing boats equipped with outboard motor engines (OBMs) were provided to support local fisheries. A transportation project and a fuel depot project were also delivered to address logistical challenges in the region. Edward Kwasi, a fishery project recipient from Santa Catalina Island, shared, 'This OBM will help my family expand our fishing business, meet school fees, and improve our livelihoods. Fishing is our way of life, and this support is a dream come true.' Fuel Depot for Reliable Energy Access: Mr. Chris Wago, a fuel depot recipient from Natorara Village (Ward 17), emphasised the project's importance: 'Fuel shortages have long hindered our fishermen. This depot will ensure a steady supply, support local businesses, and help families like mine thrive.' All recipients signed the 'Recipient Agreement' under Section 19 of the new CDF Act 2023, formalising their commitment to maintain and utilise the projects for their intended purposes. Mr. Tauni urged beneficiaries to safeguard these assets, stating, 'The sustainability of these initiatives lies in your hands. They are not just for personal benefit but for the broader development of East Makira.' Meanwhile, recipients expressed deep appreciation to the national government through EMC Office and Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi for their unwavering support. 'These projects are more than just assistance—they are opportunities to uplift our families, communities, and the entire constituency,' remarked one beneficiary. The CDF program, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), continues to drive social and economic progress in rural Solomon Islands by funding income-generating projects, infrastructure, and essential services.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
HKH Constituency Submits 2024 CDF Expenditure Report, Reinforces Accountability & Compliance With CDF Act 2023
The Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC) on Monday this week submitted its 2024 CDF Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), reinforcing accountability and compliance with the reporting obligation under Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023. The report submitted comprised of the records of the total CDF allocation of about 3.88m disbursed to each constituency at the end of the Financial Year 2024. The presentation was done by the Constituency Development Officer for HKH Constituency, Mr Apollos Manegere on behalf of the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Honourable Jeremiah Manele. Receiving the report on behalf of the Ministry of Rural Development, PS John Misite'e, said that this is a reassuring pace, as the Ministry continues to implement the CDF legislation and bringing guidance in the administration of the constituency program under this legal framework. PS Misite'e emphasised that Annual Reports inclusive of the financial expenditures' reports are important processes and documents within any organisation and more so when public resources are being utilised in service delivery. These reports re-enforce transparency and demonstrated accountability in the use of public resources and funds. PS Misite'e thanked the HKH constituency for its diligent efforts in complying with the reporting obligations and also thanked other constituencies that already made their submissions on this 2024 CDF disbursement. PS Misitee reiterated calls on other constituencies who are yet to submit their reports to do so as soon as possible. By law all constituency annual reports and expenditure reports should be submitted by February each year and to be compiled by MRD by March of any financial year. 'I am now calling on these constituencies to come forward with their reports soon'. PS Misite'e reiterated. The HKH Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Manegere on behalf of the Honourable Member of Parliament, Jeremiah Manele and its Constituency Officers was very delighted with its office for submitting their report and pledge to support MRD in the process annually to satisfy the legal requirements for reporting. The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on 22nd December 2023 and came into commencement/enforcement on the 5th of January 2024. This means that whatever offence (s) committed by a recipient (s) of the CDF program after the commencement date of the new Act will be subject to penalties. Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Public Officers if they commit an offence (s). A Member of Parliament (MP), or a Public officer or a fund (CDF) recipient commits an offence if he or she: Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations. Now that we have a new CDF Act, the responsibility is on all of us to take responsibility and comply with the new CDF law to avoid legal penalties. We (constituents) should not be fearful of this legislation as it is there to act as a guide to our conduct in working with and applying the CDF in our development processes. The purposes of the new CDF Act 2023 are;
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
East Makira Constituency Delivers Livelihood Assistance To Empower Rural Communities
The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office has successfully delivered the remaining Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded livelihood assistance and projects to recipients across EMC. This initiative underscores the government's ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi. From May 21st to 25th, 2025, EMC Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Mr. Timan Tauni facilitated the distribution of these vital projects to beneficiaries in their respective communities. The assistance is part of a larger $3.7 million livelihood support program delivered to communities and churches in East Makira Constituency earlier this year. Key highlights of the livelihood assistance include: Solar Energy for Vulnerable Groups: A total of 227 solar sets were distributed, with 114 sets allocated to Ward 12 and 113 sets to Ward 17. Priority was given to older adults, widows, and people living with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable lighting. "Solar lights are transformative for rural communities. They enhance safety, improve health, and enable economic activities after dark, all while being environmentally sustainable," Mr. Tauni explained. Boosting Fisheries and Transportation: Four fishing boats equipped with outboard motor engines (OBMs) were provided to support local fisheries. A transportation project and a fuel depot project were also delivered to address logistical challenges in the region. Edward Kwasi, a fishery project recipient from Santa Catalina Island, shared, "This OBM will help my family expand our fishing business, meet school fees, and improve our livelihoods. Fishing is our way of life, and this support is a dream come true." Fuel Depot for Reliable Energy Access: Mr. Chris Wago, a fuel depot recipient from Natorara Village (Ward 17), emphasised the project's importance: "Fuel shortages have long hindered our fishermen. This depot will ensure a steady supply, support local businesses, and help families like mine thrive." All recipients signed the 'Recipient Agreement' under Section 19 of the new CDF Act 2023, formalising their commitment to maintain and utilise the projects for their intended purposes. Mr. Tauni urged beneficiaries to safeguard these assets, stating, "The sustainability of these initiatives lies in your hands. They are not just for personal benefit but for the broader development of East Makira." Meanwhile, recipients expressed deep appreciation to the national government through EMC Office and Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi for their unwavering support. "These projects are more than just assistance—they are opportunities to uplift our families, communities, and the entire constituency," remarked one beneficiary. The CDF program, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), continues to drive social and economic progress in rural Solomon Islands by funding income-generating projects, infrastructure, and essential services.
