Ministry of Rural Development conducts two-week outreach on CDF legislation across Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency.
A two-week series of awareness sessions on the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 is underway in Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC) in Isabel Province. The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), in collaboration with the HKHC office, is conducting these sessions.
Community leaders and chiefs from the constituency’s six wards, namely Kolomola, Kolotubi, Susubona, Samasodu, and Baolo, are attending the sessions, which will be held at six different sites across the wards. This awareness initiative also aligns with the validation of the HKH Constituency Development Plan (CDP) by participating community leaders. The HKH Constituency Office is represented by CDO Apollos Manegere, and the CDP will remain in effect through the end of 2024.
These sessions are part of MRD’s ongoing efforts to inform and educate the public about the new CDF legislation. According to MRD, the program aims to provide accurate information on the Act and promote better understanding of the roles and responsibilities it establishes for constituents.
The first session, held at Kolotubi community in Kolotubi Ward 14 on October 26, 2024, was attended by over 40 leaders and chiefs. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Act in depth with MRD representatives. The session covered various provisions of the Act, including the roles of constituency officers, requirements for development plans, constituency bank account management, asset reporting, and relevant offences and penalties.
MRD Director of the Rural Development Division, Milfred Delemani, led the session, explaining how these provisions aim to support transparent and effective use of funds within constituencies. CDO Manegere added that leaders who attend the sessions are expected to share this information with their communities to broaden understanding of the CDF Act.
Chief Johnson Leamana, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed appreciation to MRD and the HKH constituency office for organizing the sessions, emphasizing the importance of constituents working together under the new legislation to enhance development efforts.
The CDF Act 2023, which came into effect on January 5, 2024, was enacted to improve governance, ensure effective fund distribution, and promote inclusive participation in development across the Solomon Islands.
MRD plans to continue conducting similar awareness programs in other constituencies nationwide in the future. The awareness series in HKHC, which began on October 26, will conclude on November 8, 2024.
Source: MRD
