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East Malaita Constituency submits 2024 CDF report, showing transparency and commitment to community development.
The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has submitted its 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), demonstrating compliance with the reporting requirements outlined in Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023.
The report details the disbursement of approximately $3.88 million in CDF funds allocated to the constituency for the 2024 financial year. The submission was made by the Member of Parliament for EMC, Manasseh Maelanga.
During the submission, Maelanga also presented the constituency’s 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), which outlines community development programs and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable growth within the constituency.
Permanent Secretary John Misite’e, representing the MRD, acknowledged the submission as a positive development. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure the proper administration of constituency programs within the legal framework. Misite’e highlighted the importance of annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as critical documents for accountability and transparency, especially when public funds are involved.
“These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,” he said.
He commended Maelanga and his constituency officers for fulfilling their reporting obligations and thanked other constituencies that have already submitted their 2024 CDF reports.
Misite’e called on remaining constituencies to submit their reports by July 31, stressing the importance of compliance. “I urge all constituencies to come forward with their reports soon,” he said.
Maelanga, on behalf of the people of East Malaita and his constituency officers, expressed satisfaction in submitting the report and pledged continued support to the MRD to ensure ongoing compliance with reporting requirements.
He noted that most of the EMC 2024 budget was allocated to road infrastructure, education support, medical assistance, administration, and other sectors vital to community development.
Maelanga reaffirmed EMC’s commitment to its mandate and collaboration with MRD, other government agencies, and stakeholders to implement development initiatives that improve the livelihoods of constituents. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry, constituency officers, stakeholders, communities, and others supporting development efforts.
The CDF Act 2023, passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and effective January 5, 2024, specifies penalties for offences committed by CDF recipients after its commencement.
Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as:
- Misappropriating funds or assets from the fund;
- Advancing materials or cash from a supplier without prior ministry approval;
- Fraudulently converting project assets or materials for personal use or others;
- Excluding non-voters from receiving Constituency Development Fund projects and funds without justifiable grounds;
- Assisting or causing another person to misappropriate or misuse the funds contrary to the Act and Regulations.
With this legislation in place, all stakeholders share the responsibility to comply with the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding penalties. The Act should be seen as a guide for conduct and accountability in managing public resources.
The primary objectives of the CDF Act 2023 are to:
- Strengthen good governance;
- Improve and ensure effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds;
- Promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.
Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their constituency offices for information on the implementation of the Constituency Development Program (CDP).
The CDP is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government, administered by the Ministry of Rural Development and implemented by the country’s 50 constituencies, aiming to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
SOURCE: MRD PRESS RELEASE
