Temotu VATUD CDC meets, approves 2026 implementation budget

MRD Legal officer Diana Alasia delivers and awareness session on the CDF Act 2023 for CDC members.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Justin Tanema during the meeting.

CDC members during the meeting.

The Temotu Vatud Constituency has successfully held its first 2026 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) meeting on the 10^th of April in Honiara. 

This was purposely to review its 2025 constituency development program implementation and to work on the 2026 annual work plan.   

The meeting brought together CDC members representing the five islands, Vanikoro, Anuta, Tikopia, Utupua, and Duff (VATUD) within the constituency. 

This critical planning process ensures that all projects align with the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Act 2023 particularly Sections 14 and 15 of the Act guiding the processes of the CDC, and follow the constituency’s 2026 annual work plan and priorities. 

CDC Chair, Honourable Freda Tuki Soriacomua, acknowledged members for their participation and invaluable contributions, which were key to the success of the process. 

“The CDF Act 2023 is our yardstick, guiding us to be more realistic and effective in delivering projects and support that directly benefit our rural communities,” she said.

Temotu Vatud is considered one of the most remote constituencies in the Solomon Islands. Located in the easternmost Temotu Province, it consists of scattered islands: Vanikoro, Anuta, Tikopia, Utupua, and Duff.

Hon. Tuki Soriacomua acknowledged that accessing basic services remains a major challenge, with communities relying heavily on boat travel and facing significant transportation difficulties throughout the year.

“This has also affected the delivery of our 2025 CDF projects to our people, as we continue to seek alternative ways to deliver our projects as soon as possible,” she added.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the TVC CDC to:

1. Review the 2025 Annual Work Plan

2. Deliberate on the 2026 Work Plan

3. Approve the 2026 CDF Implementation Budget

During the session, Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) officers informed CDC members of their roles and responsibilities under Sections 13, 14, and 15 of the CDF Act 2023, and clarified the processes involved in project implementation under the new legislation.

Under Section 13(4) of the CDF Act 2023, the CDC is responsible for:

• The coordination of the constituency development programs.
• The consideration and approval of the annual budget of the constituency.
• The general management of the Constituency Development Funds under the direct supervision of the Ministry, in consultation with the Constituency Member of Parliament.
• The coordination, monitoring, and supervision of the implementation of approved projects.
• Developing the constituency development plan.
• Public relations and community interactions. 

Meanwhile, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Justin Tanema acknowledged all members, including constituency officers, for their invaluable contributions. 

He also thanked the MRD legal team for facilitating informative awareness sessions on the CDF Act 2023 for CDC members.

Tanema stated that the constituency office, under the capable leadership of Hon. Tuki Soriocomua, remains committed to working closely with the MRD and relevant stakeholders to ensure tangible community development initiatives and projects are delivered to benefit the people of Temotu Vatud.

The CDO assured the TVC that the 2025 CDF-funded projects will be delivered to their people as soon as the MV Vatud is fully cleared by the Marine Authority.

PRESS RELEASE