North Guadalcanal Champions CDF Accountability

NGC leads in CDF audit compliance, setting a new standard in transparency and governance under MP, Dr. Bosawai

MP Dr Bosawai shares his greater plans for his constituency development aspirations and for the country with the MRD team during the compliance spot check activity.

MRD Financial Controller, Paul Alalo raises a point during the compliance check exercise with MP Dr Bosawai and his team.

The MRD team go over the sourcing documents for compliance check.

MP Dr. Paul Bosawai looking on from the back with his constituency officers together with the MRD officials. On the table are sourcing documents and files prepared for the audit compliance spot-check.

The North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) has taken the lead in Constituency Development Funds (CDF) audit compliance, marking a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of public funds under the national government’s Constituency Development Programme (CDP).

Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) conducted an internal procurement audit and compliance spot check on the constituency’s 2024 CDF budget expenditures. The Ministry reported a high level of compliance by the constituency office with government procurement and financial management guidelines, particularly the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) 2013 and the CDF Act 2023.

The spot audit was part of the legislative and administrative reform program and work plan set for implementation by the MRD in 2025, in line with the CDF Act 2023 and broader public financial management requirements.

The exercise was conducted following an invitation from the NGC, supported by its Member of Parliament, Dr. Paul Bosawai.

Compliance spot checks are essential for ensuring ongoing adherence to government guidelines, internal financial procedures, and best practices. These checks aim to minimize fiduciary risks, ensure legal compliance, and strengthen internal controls when managing public funds.

MRD Financial Controller Paul Gregory Alalo, who led the audit team, commended Dr. Bosawai and the constituency staff for their efforts.

“I am satisfied. Your compliance with the government’s procurement guidelines, procedures, and policies is outstanding. You have set the precedence, and this is the standard we encourage other constituencies to emulate,” Alalo said. He also encouraged the team to maintain their performance and continue adhering to procurement guidelines.

MRD Director of Rural Development Division (RDD) Milfred Delemani echoed similar sentiments, noting that NGC is the first constituency to fully support MRD’s reform efforts, particularly in initiating a spot audit on its CDF expenditures.

“This paves the way forward for good governance, transparency, and accountability, in alignment with the CDF Act 2023. You are setting the pace for all constituencies,” Delemani stated.

He added that proactive and principled leadership is essential for driving change and development within communities.

MRD Director of Governance, Noel Matea, acknowledged that audit compliance has long been a challenge for the Ministry. However, with the enforcement of the CDF Act 2023, it is now a legal requirement for all constituencies.

“You have set a standard, and this is the highest standard we encourage every constituency to fulfill,” Matea said.

Dr. Bosawai, in response, thanked the MRD for accepting the invitation to conduct the audit and emphasized the importance of setting a positive example.

“It is good to start something, somewhere, as an example for other constituencies. We are using public funds, and accountability must begin with us,” he said.

Dr. Bosawai also highlighted his intention to ensure ethical leadership within his constituency. He announced that no member of his immediate family would benefit from the NGC’s CDF allocation to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

“I have restricted my own family from CDF support, not for attention, but because I believe it is time to prioritize others’ needs. More importantly, it helps preserve integrity and avoid conflicts of interest,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bosawai outlined his broader vision for the constituency, which includes initiatives to strengthen rural development and improve livelihoods. Last year, his office focused on road infrastructure. This year, the emphasis has shifted to income-generating projects aimed at supporting rural economic participation.

Dr. Bosawai is a first-time MP and continues to promote transformative leadership with a focus on long-term development goals for the people of North Guadalcanal

SOURCE: MRD Media